For Constantin Ailamakas, the most troubling scenes coming out of Greece depict seniors lining up outside banks in the hope of getting their pension. His sister is one of them.
“They have no money on the side, they're waiting for the banks, but there's no banks now,” he said.
The world is watching the financial crisis unfold in Greece, and here in Montreal it's sparking a passionate debate within the Greek community.
It's what they're discussing outside Evangelismos Church in Park Extension, and all they're watching inside cafes on Jarry St. is footage from Greece.
For some Greek Montrealers, they’re watching a true Greek tragedy unfold.
It's what to do next -- accept the creditors’ terms or leave the Eurozone -- that has Greeks at home and around the world deeply divided.
“I think they should stay. I think the fallout would be more difficult it they decide to leave, It’s not a house of cards, other European countries are doing well, Greece is not, they just have to make some austerity changes,” said one man.
But another man says he thinks Greeks should vote because people there “basically have nothing to lose.”
Then there are Montrealers visiting Greece. There's no withdrawal limit for tourists, but there are concerns ATMs will run out of cash to withdraw from.
Local travel agencies say they're not changing their advice to customers, but John Lissikatos is watching closely with his mother visiting Greece.
“The infrastructure, the banks, getting money is going to be a challenge, panic is going to set in the next week,” he said.
No matter which side of the debate they’re on, what most Greek Montrealers seem to agree on is that for relatives and loved ones there is no fix ahead, only more uncertainty.
