Greece enters uncharted territory after referendum 'no' vote
Updated: 2015-07-06 11:44
(Agencies)
|
||||||||
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is seen on a television monitor as he addresses the nation in Athens, Greece, July 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
ATHENS, Greece - Greece lurched into uncharted territory and an uncertain future in Europe's common currency Sunday after voters overwhelmingly rejected demands by international creditors for more austerity measures in exchange for a bailout of its bankrupt economy.
Results showed about 61 percent voted "no," compared with 39 percent for "yes," with 100 percent of the vote counted. The referendum - Greece's first in more than four decades - came amid severe restrictions on financial transactions in the country, imposed last week to stem a bank run that accelerated after the vote was called.
Thousands of jubilant government supporters celebrated in Syntagma Square in front of Parliament, waving Greek flags and chanting "No, no, no!"
Early trading on Asian markets indicated investors were alarmed, as stock indexes fell.
It was a decisive victory for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who had gambled the future of his 5-month-old coalition government - and his country - in an all-or-nothing game of brinkmanship with Greece's creditors from other European countries that use the euro currency, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank.
"Today we celebrate the victory of democracy," Tsipras said in a televised address to the nation, describing Sunday as "a bright day in the history of Europe."
"We proved even in the most difficult circumstances that democracy won't be blackmailed," he said.
Tsipras called the referendum last weekend, saying a "no" vote would strengthen his hand to negotiate a better deal for his country. His government has said it believes it would be possible to conclude a deal with creditors within 48 hours.
- Infographics: What happens in Greece
- Greece's future is written in coffee froth
- EU loans to Greece may be possible
- Greece seeks last-minute debt deal
- Greece will not repay loan installment to IMF Tuesday
- China wants to see Greece stay in euro zone: premier
- US stocks sell off on Greece worries
- Global stocks plunge as Greece imposes controls on money
- Injured ROK tourists in intensive care
- 36 dead, 26 missing after banca capsized in C. Philippines
- Thai navy plans to buy three Chinese subs
- Mass casualties in Indonesian military plane crash
- Japan's LDP lawmaker denounces Abe's security policies
- More than 100 feared dead in Indonesian military plane crash
- US beat Japan 5-2 to win Women's World Cup
- Veterans of World War II honored
- The world in photos: June 29 - July 5
- Top 10 most expensive cities in the world
- Italian designer tailors success in China
- People take part in Independence Day parade in Washington
- Unusual heat wave sweeps across Europe
- Class of 2015 celebrates in Beijing
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Seventh China-US strategic dialogue |
Premier Li embarks on Latin America visit |
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Today's Top News
Chinese stocks struggle to maintain rally in afternoon
Greece enters uncharted territory after referendum 'no' vote
Chinese embassy warns travelers to be careful in Turkey
China nominates Jin Liqun AIIB's president-designate
For PetroChina, move to Houston pays off
China-France ties 'benefit all'
Concern over US military strategy
Will Alibaba, Amazon clash?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |