Most Greeks want honest compromise with lenders, stay in euro zone

The overwhelming majority of Greeks want an "honest compromise" with international lenders on the Greek debt crisis so that the country avoids a financial meltdown this spring and stays in the euro zone, a new opinion poll published this weekend shows.

Ahead of Monday's new Euro Group meeting and amid marathon deliberations in Athens and Brussels over the content of an agreement that would unlock further aid to Greece in exchange of a new set of measures, the survey carried out by MRB polling firm for Sunday's Realnews newspaper revealed citizens' thoughts.

By 71.9 percent Greeks were in favor of a compromise that will keep Greece in the European common currency zone against 21.3 percent of respondents who want a deal only if it includes the Leftist government's policy statements and opt for a rift and a possible Grexit otherwise.

In case of an "honest compromise" six out of 10 participants were in favor of the ratification in parliament rather than a referendum (28.8 percent) or snap general elections (5.8 percent).

Should the deal is harsher than expected, Greeks were divided between the conduction of a referendum or vote in parliament.

The new survey sheds light also on citizens' views on the so-called "red lines" of the government and creditors on key issues on the table.

By 91.7 percent Greeks object to the increase of the VAT in basic foods and services, by 89.4 percent they oppose new salary cuts and by 85.8 percent they are negative to the idea of further reductions on pensions.

By 61.6 percent Greek citizens would accept an emergency tax to those earning more than 30,000 euros (about 33,600 U.S. dollars) annually, by 58.6 percent they support privatizations and by 74.1 percent the end of a series of benefits to civil servants.

According to the latest information by government sources in Athens the government does not expect a deal during Monday's Euro Group meeting, but a "positive sign" that substantial progress has been made and in coming weeks an agreement will be reached.

The debt laden country is running out of time and cash, as according to the same sources state coffers are drying up.