Referendum in Greece: Tsipras announces withdrawal in case of defeat

Polling stations in Greece opened early this morning, and citizens of the country on the brink of collapse are voting in a referendum on whether to accept the creditors' proposal for a bailout package for their country, reports the Patria news agency.

Nearly 10 million Greek voters began casting their ballots after polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time. The last four published opinion polls do not promise a victory for either side. Three polls favor "yes", one "no", but with a lead of no more than 1.4 points.

- Should the agreement plan of the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund submitted to the Eurogroup on June 25 be accepted? - reads the referendum question. The first results are expected around 9 p.m.

Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos voted in the referendum this morning and emphasized that Greece needs unity above all. 

You will no longer be able to use the euro if you reject cooperation with international institutions in today's referendum," said European Parliament President Martin Schulz, adding that Greeks will not have the euro available as a means of payment if they vote against. 

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras voted this morning in front of dozens of photographers. He said that a "NO" answer would enable the Greek government to seek a better bailout package. The Prime Minister has already hinted that he will step down from his position if the Greek people accept the conditions offered by the European Union, the IMF, and the European Central Bank.