Greece’s Referendum to Go Ahead as Planned, Eurogroup to Discuss Greek Proposal After Sunday

In a television address to the nation on Wednesday, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras slammed the “blackmail” of Greece’s creditors and stressed that “Europe must stop behaving in an undemocratic manner”.

The Greek PM repeated his call for a ‘no’ vote on the July 5 referendum, insisting that it is a decisive step towards a better deal that the government aims to be signed immediately after Sunday.

According to reports, the Greek PM’s address caused confusion and anger to European partners, as earlier it had been revealed that he had sent a letter to the heads of the European Commission, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central Bank (ECB) in which he said the Greek government was “prepared to accept” their proposals, subject to amendments.

Eurozone finance ministers conferred on Wednesday evening over Greece’s latest proposal, only to conclude that they would rediscuss after the referendum.

On Wednesday night, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem reportedly sent a letter to the Greek PM clarifying that the Greek request for a new bailout will be examined in accordance with the outcome of the July 5 referendum.

In addition, while speaking in the German Bundestag, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Berlin is open to negotiations on a new program of assistance for Greece, but not before the July 5 referendum.