Greek prime minster blames Brexit on EU austerity policies
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras blames the Brexit on EU leaders' “chronic deficiencies" and insistence on austerity measures.
"As much as the decision of the British people saddens us, it is a decision to be respected. We must not put the blame on the British people ... when the borders remain open on austerity policies but stay closed for people," said Tsipras at a Syriza party meeting on Saturday.
In the June 23 referendum, some 51.90 percent of British voters opted to leave the EU, while roughly 48.10 percent of the people voted to stay in the union. More than 17.4 million Britons said the country should leave the bloc, as just over 16.14 million others favored remaining in the EU.
Tsipras (seen above) also discussed the issue with French President Francois Hollande during a phone conversation, in which they both agreed on the need for solidarity in the EU.
"The common assessment was the need to refound the principles of democracy, social protection, and solidarity in Europe," read a statement issued by Tsipras' office.
After the release of the final results, UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation and said he would leave office in fall.
He said it would be up to his successor, who is expected to be appointed before the Conservative Party conference in October, to start the negotiations for exit from the union.
On Saturday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called on Britain to swiftly appoint a new prime minster and hasten its exit from the bloc.
“Of course a new prime minister must be appointed, that will probably require a few days but this is quite urgent,” he said in Berlin following a meeting on the future of the EU with his counterparts from the six founding members of the union.
“It's in Britain's interest and in the interest of Europeans not to have a period of uncertainty that would have financial consequences, and that could have economic and political consequences,” he added.
“We now expect the UK government to provide clarity and give effect to this decision as soon as possible,” read a joint statement released following the meeting.
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