This is not Greek tragedy, it is a farce. Prime Minister George Papandreou’s idea to
hold a referendum on the Greek deal has done the exact opposite of what he must have intended. Instead of giving him a new mandate, it seems it will take the existing one away from him. Several MPs
and PASOK officials have called for his resignation or for the formation of a National Unity Government. Some
have even resigned, reducing the government’s majority in parliament. European reaction has arranged from studied politesse to outrage. Ireland’s Europe minister has called the referendum idea a
“grenade”. Privately, European politicians are seething.
The Greek PM must know he has stepped in it, as his closest allies are busy briefing the press about his decision. But reports are emerging that his own Finance Minister was not informed, having been taken
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