Merkel Braces for Greece Turmoil Whichever Way Vote Goes

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government is bracing for a protracted phase of political turmoil in Greece followed by tortuous negotiations even if Greeks vote for further austerity on Sunday, according to two people involved in policy making in Berlin.

A quick solution to the crisis in Greece isn’t in sight because European rules mean any new negotiations on financial help would be more complex than to date, one of the officials said. The backing of German lawmakers is required even just to restart aid talks, inserting additional uncertainty at a time when trust in Greek intentions is at a low, the second official said. Both asked not to be named discussing government deliberations.