Greece: Eurogroup gloves are off

There is applause in Athens but anger in Brussels.

The Greek government’s decision to call a July 5 referendum on its international bailout deal has left Eurogroup ministers fuming.

They are around the table again in Brussels, but watchers say this time, the gloves are off.

Eurogroup leader Jeroen Dijesslbloem says there was a deal on the table and Athens is simply not playing the game:
“That is a sad decision for Greece because it has closed the door on further talks whereas the door was still open in my mind. We will hear from the Greek minister today in our meeting and then talk about future consequences.”

Greece’s creditors are expected to vote on whether to extend the country’s 1.5 billion euro payment deadline for a few days until after the referendum.

But there seems to be little support for a yes. Many here feel Greece has already been given enough time.

Euronews’ correspondent Efi Koutsokosta says the atmosphere in Brussels is heavy. Most Eurozone finance ministers are against the Greek request for the current programme to be extended for a few days until after the referendum. Sources say the Euroworking group, which met a few hours ago, even discussed taking the institution’s proposal off the table.

SOURCE: euronews