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My fellow citizens,
The time for responsibility and democracy has arrived. The fear-mongering and threats of disaster must stop. When a nation takes a stand on its future, it has nothing to fear.
Let us all go to the polls calmly, and let us make our choice based on the arguments–and not the slogans. Yesterday an event of major political importance occurred. The International Monetary Fund released a report concerning the Greek economy.
The report is a great vindication for the Greek government; it confirms the obvious–that the Greek debt is unsustainable.
Per the IMF, the only way that the economy can recover and the debt be made sustainable is through a 30% haircut and a 20-year grace period.
The institutions never presented this report to the Greek government during the five months of the negotiation, during the five months that we have been negotiating.
It is also missing from the institutions’ final proposal that the Greek people will be approving or rejecting on Sunday.
The IMF’s report vindicates our choice to not accept a deal that ignores this integral issue, making the debt sustainable.
In short, the main driving force behind the memorandum has confirmed our assessment, the fact that the proposal we were given will not lead to a sustainable exit from the crisis.
We should all recognize this crucial fact.
On Sunday, what will be determined is not whether Greece remains in Europe.
What will be determined is whether, under duress and blackmail, we will accept the continuation of a policy that even its creators are now admitting has failed.
On Sunday, what will be determined is whether we will consent to the slow death of our economy and the impoverishment of our society.
If we will accept to further reduce pensions, so that an unsustainable debt will be repaid with the savings of the pensioners.
Or, if with determination, we will strengthen our negotiating resolve to achieve an agreement that will finally put an end to the destruction of the last five years.
My fellow citizens,
With the polls opening shortly, I urge you to act with civility and to respect opposing views, so that we may present a united front in the negotiation. For our common tomorrow, our common future.
No matter what we vote on Sunday, there will be nothing to divide us on Monday.
Nobody is disputing the country’s membership in Europe. Voting “NO” to an unsustainable agreement does not mean a break with Europe.
It means continuing the negotiation with better conditions for the Greek people. Therefore, I urge you to say “NO” to ultimatums, to blackmail, to fear.
But I urge you to say “NO” to being divided, as well.
NO to those who are trying to incite panic and prevent you from deciding with composure and responsibly for your own future.
I urge you to decide in favor of democracy and dignity.
For a proud Greece that will remain standing in a Europe of democracy and solidarity.
