by Magda Panoutsopolou
ATHENS
As Greek voters exited the ballot stations, they displayed strongly divided views on the bailout referendum.
A 67-year-old pensioner who was holding a “no” flag, commented: “No, of course, no more cuts, no to austerity, what is it that our partners do not understand? We have woken up. Don’t you see all people are against these measures, this cannot continue.”
The “yes” voters had equally strong views.
Melina Kontos, 25, told Anadolu Agency: “As a Greek American living in Greece, I voted 'yes.' I voted 'yes' in the hopes that I could create a future in my field of investor relations in Greece. As it seems, the 'no' vote will win out and there is absolutely no hope of a future in Greece in any sort of business. Business cannot be conducted with banks closed and such uncertainty for the future of Greece in Europe. Quality of life will decline -- social unrest will continue as we wait in lines to take out 50 euros, for as long as that lasts. If the 'no' vote wins out, I foresee a failed state both politically and economically, where people will eventually also be waiting in line for food stamps. This is not a future for anyone. This is my worst fear and should it happen, I will be forced to leave Greece and return to America.
A young man had a different view, even voting ‘yes’.
“Many members of the Greek population mention the word 'dignity'. If they believe that begging is the way to win back their dignity, there is a fundamental problem in their ideology. You cannot expect to borrow money on your own terms without expecting to pay it back.”
