Greeks say Italy no vote shows austerity backlash; concerned over European repercussions

Record ID: 75887

  • Title: Greeks say Italy no vote shows austerity backlash; concerned over European repercussions
  • Date: 5th December 2016
  • Summary: ATHENS, GREECE (DECEMBER 5, 2016) (REUTERS) PEOPLE WALKING ACROSS STREET/GREEK PARLIAMENT IN BACKGROUND PEOPLE WALKING PEOPLE WALKING ALONG SQUARE/PARLIAMENT IN BACKGROUND PEOPLE WALKING IN SQUARE (SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK RESIDENT YANNIS PROTONOTARIOS, A PENSIONER, AGED 69, SAYING: "I consider this to be a reaction from the Italian people against austerity measures and against Europe's direction, regardless of whether the referendum was for constitutional reforms, - which were undemocratic - as they were aiming to restrict the influence of the Senate. What will happen now? Perhaps those who are ruling Europe might finally come to their senses. Maybe Mr. Schaeuble, Mrs. Merkel will do something at last to end austerity and this might be a positive outcome for our country." (SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK RESIDENT ELENA ANAGNOSTOPOULOU, A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, AGED 49, SAYING: "Everyone says that this is very dangerous, because Italy is very problematic anyway for the (European) Union and most likely it's from there that the major problems will arise. Renzi was a stability force, if he resigns and Beppe Grillo comes (to power) it doesn't seem like a good development. As for us, we are a lost cause (anyway), (so) at least let's hope things go well for the rest of the world's sake." (SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK RESIDENT, YANNIS, AGED 57, SAYING: "Things are much more dramatic than we think. From the moment that neo-liberalism has conquered everyone and everything, and from the moment that there isn't one proper left option on an international level, I think the only thing left for all the people of the south, but also for all people, is to resist against this attack by neo-liberals." MAN LOOKING AT NEWSPAPER HEADLINES HANGING FROM KIOSK
  • Embargoed: 20th December 2016 11:07
  • Keywords: Italy referendum Greece austerity European Union
  • Location: ATHENS, GREECE
  • City: ATHENS, GREECE
  • Country: Greece
  • Reuters ID: LVA0015BLXOP3
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Some Greeks on Monday (December 5) said the "no" vote in the referendum in Italy was a reaction against EU imposed austerity and feared it would have negative effects on the European Union as a whole.
    Sunday's (December 4) referendum was over government plans to reduce the powers of the upper house Senate and regional authorities but was viewed by many Italians as a chance to register dissatisfaction with Renzi and his government's policies.
    "I consider this to be a reaction from the Italian people against austerity measures and against Europe's direction, regardless of whether the referendum was for constitutional reforms, - which were undemocratic - as they were aiming to restrict the influence of the Senate. What will happen now? Perhaps those who are ruling Europe might finally come to their senses. Maybe Mr. Schaeuble, Mrs. Merkel will do something at last to end austerity and this might be a positive outcome for our country," said 69 year-old pensioner Yannis Protonotarios.
    Others said they feared the referendum result was dangerous for the economy of the euro zone, and could open the door to elections in the neighboring country next year and to the possibility of the opposition 5-Star Movement gaining power in the heart of the single currency area. The 5-Star Movement, which campaigned hard for a 'No' vote, wants to hold a referendum instead on membership of the euro.
    "Everyone says that this is very dangerous, because Italy is very problematic anyway for the (European) Union and most likely it's from there that the major problems will arise. Renzi was a stability force, if he resigns and Beppe Grillo comes (to power) it doesn't seem like a good development," said 49 year-old Elena Anagnostopoulou, a university professor.
    Renzi is set to resign on Monday after suffering a crushing defeat in the referendum, tipping the euro zone's third-largest economy into political turmoil.
    His decision to quit after just two-and-a-half years in office deals a blow to the European Union, already reeling from multiple crises and struggling to overcome anti-establishment forces that have battered the Western world this year.
    "Things are much more dramatic than we think. From the moment that neo-liberalism has conquered everyone and everything, and from the moment that there isn't one proper left option on an international level, I think the only thing left for all the people of the south, but also for all people, is to resist against this attack by neo-liberals," said one Greek resident.
    "Italian Referendum - Where is Europe Heading?" read one Greek newspaper headline.
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