LONDON (AP) – The Greek people are voting on a future in which they face two painful prospects: the slow grind of years more of austerity cuts or the country’s potentially catastrophic exit from the 19-nation eurozone.
The question is whether their vote on Sunday can help them escape either.
“Yes” to more budget cuts demanded by creditors in exchange for a financial aid package for the country? Or reject it in the hope it will not lead the country out of the euro?
For the radical left-led Greek government, the proposals are unacceptable. It’s urging a “no” vote and says that will have no impact on Greece’s euro status.
Proponents of a “yes” vote, including a parade of former prime ministers and the main opposition party, say backing the government will jeopardize Greece’s place in the euro. Instead, they argue that by voting “yes” Greece would get a new deal quickly to shore up the economy.