in Greece 2015

A referendum on Greece and the Eurozone

Δημοψήφισμα (thee-moh-PSEE-feez-mah) – n.: referendum

So I’ve been following the Greek financial crisis a lot lately. Perhaps it’s because my parents were born Greek citizens, and I have relatives there. More likely it’s because I planned a trip there months ago. I land there July 5.

That’s the day of the #dimopsifisma, the referendum Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras abruptly called last Friday to put the troika’s demands of Greece to a popular vote. In this very hectic, unprecedented week, it’s becoming a plebiscite on whether Greece will stay in the Eurozone.

Greece does not, however, have to leave the European Union to leave the Euro. Nine other countries, from the UK to Poland, maintain their own currency. But some who would have Greeks vote NAI (yes) are trying to argue that by voting OXI (no), Greece would be leaving the EU completely. I call #minotaurshit on that talking point.

Nevertheless, the troika is putting the screws to Greece, but good. I’m planning to take a language class in Crete, and everyone who I’m trying to do business with is asking if it’s possible for me to pay in cash.