Greek Referendum Plan Threatens Government
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BY WILLIAM BOSTON, NOEMIE BISSERBE AND COSTAS PARIS
LONDON—Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou's call for a referendum on a freshly minted bailout package rattled European officials and global markets, sparking warnings that the move could force the collapse of the Greek government and push the country into a destabilizing default on its sovereign debt.
The decision opened a rift within the ruling Socialist party, with one lawmaker resigning from the party in disagreement with the referendum and another one calling for early elections.
"The party is in major turmoil," a senior socialist party official said. "I can't exclude more desertions today, which will lead to early elections."
Mr. ...