Greece may hold early bailout referendum

Greece’s planned referendum on its latest bailout deal may be held earlier than expected, according to its Interior Minister.

Haris Kastanidis says the poll could take place next month if details of the rescue agreement can be worked out.

Shockwaves from the surprise decision are still reverberating in Athens, where many say the move is too little, too late.

“There have never been more tragic decisions. These people have no idea of what they are doing. They are useless. The faster they go, the faster Greece will be saved,” complained one commuter.

“I think Papandreou’s decision is the right one. He has been under a lot of pressure from the EU for months and now everyone has to take responsibility,” said one man.

Amid a mountain of criticism, there has been some good news for Greece’s prime minister. George Papandreou has won the backing of his cabinet to hold the referendum. It is a brief stay of execution perhaps before a confidence vote in parliament on Friday.

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