Greek PM calls for areferendum on constitutional reform in the fall

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Sunday called for a referendum on constitutional reform in the fall. Speaking in parliament, Papandreou said the referendum should discuss “changes to the political system” but gave no details.

Greece is on the verge of defaulting on a EUR 350bn government debt despite a EUR 100bn bailout loan from the European Union and the IMF.

Papandreou’s center-left government has approved crucial budget cuts in return for international loans. The move has trigged large-scale protests in the country, prompting Papandreou to replace the finance minister along with other government officials.