Several tourists taking in the sights in central Athens appeared divided on Saturday when asked about the future of Greece in Europe.
Most of those with whom protothema.gr spoke to expressed surprise with the after-midnight declaration of a referendum by the Greek premier, with a “yes” or “no” answer to the latest proposal by creditors.
Others, however, maintained that since there is democracy and in light of no solution being found after months of negotiations, the final word belongs to the voters on whether Greece remains in the eurozone.
“We hope that Greece remains in Europe. I understand that things are difficult in Greece, and I understand the Greek people, but I hope that we remain united and that your country remains in Europe; together is better,” an Austrian tourist told protothema.gr
“I am from Belgium and I don’t like this situation at all, because Belgium must give thousands of euros to Greece. Why should we pay you? No one asks us about this? another tourist said.
“We want to help, but not by giving you so much money. I do not believe this is the solution; essentially, for Belgians and other Europeans giving money to Greece in such a manner. I like Greece, it’s beautiful, but not any further.”