Tsipras in a panic as Greece referendum poll has ‘Yes’ vote ahead

The Greek government has stepped up its campaign for a “no” vote in Sunday’s bailout referendum as polling suggests the “yes” camp is leading. In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said a “no” vote would not push Greece out of the eurozone, but rather win a better bailout deal. “There are those who insist on linking the result of the referendum with the country’s future in the euro,” he said. “They even say I have a so-called secret plan to take the country out of the EU if the vote is 'no’. They are lying with the full knowledge of that fact.”

No means powerful pressure for a financial agreement that will give a solution to the debt … an agreement that is socially just.

Alexis Tsipras

Hours earlier, he had said he was willing to accept the latest offer with several revisions but the prospect of negotiations was later ruled out. Eurozone finance ministers agreed to wait for the result of the referendum before holding any more talks. “We see no grounds for further talks at this point,” said eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem. A senior government source revealed that success for the ‘Yes’ camp would likely prompt the resignation of Mr Tsipras, the formation of a ‘national unity’ government and elections in September.

Business Greece