Berlin denies the Referendum request!

Incredible confusion now prevails in the political scene of the country. Shortly after the official announcement by PM Panagiotis Pikrammenos, according to which Angela Merkel virtually called for a referendum on the euro by President Karolos Papoulias to be held alongside the election, Berlin now denies it!

Specifically, a spokesman for the German Chancellor told the German News Agency that “references such as these are incorrect”! A little earlier, almost all political parties had reacted strongly and negatively to the German proposal.

According to the announcement of the government spokesman Dimitris Tsiodras, Mrs. Merkel “conveyed to the President thoughts of holding a referendum alongside the elections, with the question whether Greek citizens wish to stay within the Eurozone”.

In a statement, Mr. Tsiodras adds: “It is clear that the issue is outside the responsibilities of the interim government”.

Besides, Mrs Merkel once more confirmed that the EU is supporting the efforts made by Greece to overcome the crisis. Finally, Mr. Papoulias was told that “the EU has the intention of studying policies for growth and fighting unemployment in Europe”.

The press release concludes: “Development is the basic issue which will be addressed by the Special EU summit on May 23rd in Brussels”.

“After a telephone conversation with President Karolos Papoulias, PM Panagiotis Pikrammenos contacted political leaders A. Samaras, Al. Tsipras, Ev Venizelos, Al. Papariga, N. Michaloliakos and F. Kouvelis and filled them in on the contents of the conversation held between the President and Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Mrs. Merkel reiterated EU’s support for Greece’s efforts to overcome the crisis. She also mentioned that EU intends to consider reinforcing growth policies and combating unemployment in Europe. The issue of development is also a key issue to be addressed by the Special EU Summit on May 23rd in Brussels.

She also spoke to the President about thoughts of a referendum alongside the elections, its question being whether the Greek citizens want to remain in the Eurozone. It is obvious that the issue is outside the responsibilities of the interim government”.