Greek referendum on debt crisis | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Greece must hold a referendum on the debt crisis that has plunged the country into its worst post-war emergency, the interior minister told parliament on Wednesday, Greek media reported.

Interior Minister Haris Kastanidis said there was a need ``for the Greek people, at this critical moment, to take a position on the fiscal problem.''He did not specify when such a call to the public would be made, or the exact phrasing of the question.``It will not be an easy question, but a vital question,'' he said.Government spokesman Elias Mossialos later denied such plans were afoot.In June, Prime Minister George Papandreou had pledged to hold a referendum in the autumn ``on the great changes of this land.''Political analysts have interpreted the move as an alternative to early elections which Papandreou has repeatedly rejected, even though his popularity is falling and his parliamentary majority is down to four deputies.The Greek premier has noted that issues to be raised in the referendum would include the operation of parliament, the number of lawmakers, minister accountability, party funding, the electoral system and an overhaul of Greek justice.Parliament this week approved a law making a referendum result binding for the government if at least 50 percent of registered voters...