PM Tsipras urges vote for “dignity in Europe”

Written by Alma Angeles on

More in Europe:

Greek Prime Minister Tsipras urges crowds in central Athens to spurn the tough terms of an aid deal offered by creditors calling on people to vote 'No' in referendum (Reuters)
Greek Prime Minister Tsipras urges crowds in central Athens to spurn the tough terms of an aid deal offered by creditors calling on people to vote ‘No’ in referendum (Reuters)

 

(Reuters) Greek Prime Minister Tsipras urges crowds in central Athens to spurn the tough terms of an aid deal offered by creditors calling on people to vote ‘No’ in referendum.
Elected in January on a promise to end years of austerity, Tsipras wants Greeks to spurn the tough terms of an aid deal offered by international creditors.

He frames Sunday’s ballot as a battle for democracy.

ALEXIS TSIPRAS, GREEK PRIME MINISTER:

“Democracy is liberation, democracy is a way out. Tonight we are celebrating the victory of democracy. Whatever happens on Monday, we are already winners.”

His European partners say a ‘No’ vote will jeopardize Greece’s membership in the euro zone. But Tsipras is betting Europe will compromise rather than let Greece slip out of the euro zone.

ALEXIS TSIPRAS, GREEK PRIME MINISTER:

“On Sunday we are not just deciding that we are staying in Europe, but that we are deciding to live with dignity in Europe, to work in to thrive in Europe and to be equals in Europe.”

Opinion polls show a neck and neck race — with four polls putting the ‘Yes’ vote marginally ahead; and a fifth giving the edge to the ‘No’ camp. All are well within the margin of error.