WATCH ABOVE: Demonstrators gathered in front of the Greek Consulate Saturday morning to share their concerns over the upcoming bailout referendum in Greece which will be held on Sunday.
MONTREAL – A group of Montrealers opposing austerity gathered in front of the Greek consulate Saturday morning in solidarity with Greeks favouring a “no” vote in Sunday’s referendum to decide if Greece will accept massive austerity measures or possibly leave the European Union.
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“First of all, I’m human, and then I’m Greek,” said Chrisoula Petimeza, a Greek living in Montreal. She was part of a demonstration on Sherbrooke Street.
“The austerity measures didn’t work for five years, and we don’t want them to continue.”
Petimeza said she favoured a “no” vote in Sunday’s referendum but that she hoped to find a way the country could stay within the European Union.
Quebec Solidaire stalwart Amir Khadr was part of the group. He likened the crisis in Greece to austerity measures introduced in Quebec.
“The financial elite want to impose measures that will lead to the destruction of our social services,” he said.
“The problem of austerity is affecting Quebec, too. Especially out in the regions.”
There are more than 100,000 Montrealers of Greek heritage.
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