Leader of Potami Stavros Theodorakis comments on the outcome of the Referendum: I have two choices. I can choose the conventional way and just say that people expressed their will and we are now waiting for the Prime Minister to conclude a deal within 48 hours, just like he said he would do. But, there is also the path of facing reality. The times are too crucial to mince words.
Greece will face enormous problems, and this applies to all, whether one voted YES or NO in the referendum. Therefore, we must all be very careful - the government, the opposition, the Greek society, and also the European Union.
I urge the Prime Minister to clarify three main issues.
First, I want him to commit himself that he will not risk, in any way, Greece’s position in the Eurozone.
Second, I want him to say that he will respect the sacrifices of the Greek people and will not proceed with looting people’s deposits and property.
Third, he will send a wise and logical negotiating team to Europe, with a clear mandate to reach an understanding, not to clash.
Alexis Tsipras must move away from demagogy and populism. If he does not change his negotiating policy, Greeks will go hungry.
At the same time, we call the European Union to help, in any way it can, to conclude a deal. I urge Europe not to consider punishing the Greek people, not to adopt the punitive approach of certain conservatives.
I have already launched a dialogue with our allies in Europe, with one constant request: A fair deal, growth and sustainable debt. I want to make it clear; the 60% majority that said NO in the referendum is not against Europe.
The opposition and each one of us must act in a patriotic way. The country does not have two fronts, as some will say the next few hours - the YES front and the NO front. There is only one front. The patriotic front.
The government may have torpedoed national unity, but it is our duty to restore it. The Prime Minister has to find a way to do it.
What is even more important than victory itself is knowing how to use it. Therefore, Mr. Tsipras must use the outcome of the referendum to find solutions for the benefit of the majority of our people, beyond his party's internal equilibrium.
Greeks must remain calm. Panic and extreme reactions will not help.
The old political establishment must stop obstructing developments, trying to satisfy its ego, while Greece is collapsing. They are equally responsible for the imminent bankruptcy of the country.
I urge the citizens to join our effort for a complete renewal of the political system.
The country has the forces to do it.
So, we urge these forces to join the battle with us and promote, along with us, the major reforms that the country needs.
It is time to resist.
It is time to act.
It is time to unite.
It is time to impose common sense, realism and solutions.
6 July 2015
Photo credit: Theodore Manolopoulos
