Deputy PM employs scare-mongering tactics to bully for ‘no’ vote

Deputy Prime Minister Giannis Dragasakis told the pro-government radio station Sto Kokkino on Friday Greeks are faced with a crucial choice that they need to make amid a climate of pressure and “blackmail”.

He reiterated his government’s belief that a “no” vote would be a great victory at a time of pressure and blackmail. “The choice is crucial,” Dragasakis said, warning that austerity would be “limitless” if a “yes” prevails – thus creating a climate of threat.

He said a “yes” vote would indicate that the Greek people approve of, or at least tolerate, the fact that we live under a regime of limited sovereignty on the margins of a protectorate.

Looking into his political “crystal ball” amid a week that witnessed capital controls, closed banks, an end to the bailout plan protection and a cap on liquidity for Greek banks, amongst others, he said a “no” vote achieves … better terms for the Greek side, by giving his government greater freedom to exercise its policy. Additionally, he opined that the referendum has gained a symbolic dimension worldwide and will send a strong message for changes in Europe.

Referring to recent German government officials’ statements warning that Berlin would stop negotiating with the radical leftist government, Dragasakis said: “Anyone can say whatever he wants. If they mean all that, they should state it to us clearly so that we can see which Europe we want to live in.”

Referring to the “unprecedented condition” experienced now in Greece, he cited two reasons: the country is going through a sixth year of an austerity that has failed to make the debt sustainable; people have made it clear that they are against austerity.

The only thing that remains now is to find the money – greater taxes, printing it, borrowing it, boosting GDP and related revenues, plunder from war etc. – to end austerity.