After years of living on borrowed money and paying the price with savage austerity, Greeks are voting Sunday for more of the same (more or less) or for a rupture with Europe that could spell disaster.
Fears the central bank of Greece will collapse following today's referendum are rising as voters flocked to the polls to decide on their country's future.
Officials are set to ask the European Central Bank (ECB) for emergency cash in a bid to stave off financial ruin following tonight's result, it has been reported.
It comes as some sources also suggested ATMs will not open this evening in a bid to save money after EU leaders threatened to withdraw the euro in the event of a 'No' vote
Pensioners were also pictured queuing outside branches, with many banks telling them they would not be opening their doors.
The measures have turned many people towards the 'No' vote.
Eleni Deligainni, 43, said: 'I voted 'No' to the 'Yes' that our European partners insist I choose.
'I have been jobless for nearly four years and was telling myself to be patient... but we've had enough deprivation and unemployment.'
Ioannis Nikolaou, from Athens, added: 'I voted for Tsipras and want to vote 'No' because I've lived in Europe and know what rights Europeans and Greeks have. For that reason alone. They don't have the same rights.'
But other residents think the only way the country will stave off financial ruin is by voting 'Yes'.
Yannis Kontis, 76, said: 'You call this dignity, to stand in line at teller machines for a few euros? I voted 'Yes' so we can stay with Europe.'
Conservative opposition leader Antonis Samaras added: 'Today, we Greeks decide on the fate of our country. We vote 'Yes' to Greece. We vote 'Yes' to Europe.'
Yesterday Greece was warned it is risking the collapse of its health system and power network - as well as a blockade on imports - if it votes 'No' in today's referendum.
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