Greece referendum gets a thumbs up from CPI(M)

NEW DELHI: CPI(M) today congratulated people of Greece for giving a "resounding no" to austerity measures sought to be imposed by international creditors in exchange of a bailout of its bankrupt economy.

"The politburo of CPI(M) warmly congratulates people of Greece who have given a resounding 'No' verdict in the referendum. With a 61.3 per cent vote, the Greek people have resoundingly rejected the bailout austerity measures sought to be imposed upon them by neo-liberal forces represented by the Troika comprising the IMF, European Central Bank and the European Commission," the party said in a statement.

The European Union and Troika will have to heed to the voice of the Greek people and their democratic verdict, the communist outfit said.

Greece lurched into uncharted territory and a bleak future in Europe's common currency after voters overwhelmingly rejected demands by international creditors for more austerity measures in exchange for a bailout of its bankrupt economy.

Results showed about 61 per cent voted "no" compared with 39 per cent for "yes," with 100 per cent of the votes counted.

The referendum, Greece's first in more than four decades, came amid severe restrictions on financial transactions in the country - imposed last week to stem a bank run that accelerated after the vote was called.