The Absurd Greek Referendum Question

Do you want to stay in the Eurozone, Yes or No?

In the Greek context, isn't this a bit like asking "Does a cat like cream?"

No supplementary questions about accepting the membership rules, the austerity programme, the rescue plan or the need for fairer and more efficient tax collection?

It sounds like a question designed to secure an 80% Yes vote (probably under pressure from Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy). Yet the Greek Finance Minister says that the question of Eurozone participation cannot depend on a referendum.

"Greece's place in the euro is a historical conquest by the Greek people that cannot be placed in question... this cannot be made dependent on a referendum," he said in a statement after returning from G20 talks in Cannes.

(The Sun Herald)

If the question is really going to be formulated in such a fatuous and simplistic way, then it is hardly the democratic issue it is claimed to be. Some might be forgiven for thinking that the Opposition New Democracy is fair to make this comment (eKathimerini.gr)

New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said on Wednesday that his party does not question Greece being part of the euro but did want the austerity program attached to the loans Athens receives from the eurozone to be overhauled.


John Psaropoulos (The New Athenian) has also just commented


And now, the BBC

All in all, a typical exercise in EU democracy. He, or she, who frames the question also frames the outcome. But who's being framed?


Update

Charlemagne (The Economist)


Wall Street Journal blog (Hitchhiker's Guide to Greek Politics)