Tsipras Blames Brexit on Austerity, Deficiencies in EU Leadership

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Sunday that he does not blame the British people for voting to leave the European Union but rather EU leaders. Speaking to his leftist Syriza party's central committee,  Tsipras blamed the Brexit outcome on the "chronic deficiencies" of European leaders and austerity policies that fed populism and nationalism.

Tsipras led his Syriza party to victory in two elections and a referendum last year in an attempt to end years of austerity imposed on euro zone member Greece because of its untenable debt. However, he was forced to accept more conditions as a quid pro quo for another bailout and continued membership of the euro zone.