Germany’s ‘Die Zeit’ Urges Greeks to Vote for the Future of Europe

Press on the photo to read the open letter in Greek.

German daily Die Zeit is calling on all Greeks to vote responsibly in Sunday’s referendum, stressing that their decision will not only affect their own future but the future of 500 million people across Europe.

In an open letter by Marc Brost titled “Stay With Us”, in both Greek and German printed in its online edition, Die Zeit urges Greeks to vote carefully and fully aware that they have the future of Europe in their hands, and that the referendum is not merely an issue of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but includes a series of “painful decisions”.

The letter goes on to urge Greeks to reject the policies of the current government, claiming that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has failed to keep his pre-election promises and describing him as arrogant and interested only in what “divides us rather than what brings us together”.

Mr Brost goes on to say that the euro is much more that a single currency, “it is a pledge to stand by each other”. And adds that if the Greeks decide to remain in the euro, then all EU residents will have to accept an enormous responsibility. Then it is they who will be required to do more for Europe.

He concludes that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her finance minister will be required to cancel the debt, to implement an investment program, and everyone will have to show patience and good will.