The Majority of Greeks Said 'No' to International Creditors' Conditions

The results of the referendum in Greece show that the majority of the country's people voted negatively on accepting Europe’s conditions for new financial aid. This referendum began on Sunday morning, July 5, and ended at six in the evening Athens time. According to CNN, with 88% of the votes counted, those who voted 'no' to the conditions of international creditors are nearly 61%, while the 'yes' vote comprises only 39%. Alexis Tsipras, the Prime Minister of Greece, during his participation in the referendum, noted that the negotiating group with the Greek government had previously warned that a 'no' vote from the Greek people on the conditions of international creditors would mean the country’s exit from the eurozone. The Greek government had asked its citizens to vote 'no' in the referendum. Following the announcement of the referendum results, Alexis Tsipras thanked his people for voting 'no' to the proposed conditions of international creditors, stating that 'democracy is not threatened.' He also expressed Greece's willingness to continue negotiations but added that 'this time the issue of debts will be on the negotiation table.' While the Prime Minister thanked his people for their 'brave choice,' the German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy stated that the Greek government has led its people 'into a path of despair and bitter austerity.' Sigmar Gabriel added that 'with a 'no' to the eurozone rules, it is hard to imagine negotiating a package worth billions.' Eva Kopacz, the Prime Minister of Greece, also stated that with these results, she believes Greece 'has no choice but to leave the euro.' Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, announced an extraordinary meeting of the eurozone council on Tuesday in response to the referendum results. This news came after France and Germany, the largest economic powers in the eurozone, called for such a meeting.