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ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece's crucial austerity referendum is only hours away.
Greeks are contemplating how their vote on Sunday will shape their future and the impact a "yes" or "no" will have on the country's youth.
Opinion polls suggest Greeks are evenly split on whether to accept creditors' proposals for more austerity in exchange for rescue loans, or defiantly reject the deal and send the message that they're simply fed up with years of harsh economic austerity.
Greece's high-stakes standoff with lenders saw the country default on debts this week, close banks to avoid their collapse, and lose access to billions of euros after an existing bailout deal expired.
Yet, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (TSEE'-prahs) insists a "no" vote will strengthen his hand to negotiate a third bailout with better terms.
No matter the referendum result, Tsipras faces a tough road ahead, fraught with uncertainty about whether he will be able to deliver an improved bailout agreement.
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