OXI vote boosts Greek workers’ confidence

A Greek worker says no to austerity (Pic: Workers Solidarity)

People in Greece are elated with the referendum result. They have said no to austerity and showed they are prepared to stand up to the bankers’ pressure.

But the political leadership is out of touch with this mood—and ignoring the victory of the No.

Leaders of all the political parties have signed a joint statement that starts by saying the result is not a mandate to break with the European Union

New finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos was on his way to Brussels with a new proposal for an agreement as Socialist Worker went to press. It is closely based on the one prime minister Alexis Tsipras couldn’t sign two weeks ago.

But there will be a revolt if they try to implement any of this. The EU leaders know this well—and are trying to come up with a scheme to release money only as cuts and privatisations are implemented.

There’s tremendous pressure to do this before parliament ends for summer.

Any of these measures will face stiff opposition. The no vote means people are more confident than before. Everyone in every workplace knows that they will not be alone if they resist cuts, privatisations and sackings.

For all the wheeling and dealing in Brussels, that’s what will happen if they go ahead with this new agreement.