No doubt a referendum is the right thing to do (assuming, of course, every dollar in debt was subject to a referendum as it accumulated). But why showboat about it right now? Surely everyone sitting around that great-big godamm oak table in Bruxels or wherever knew Greece would have to put it to a referendum, if for no other reason than to make a pretense at keeping protocol.
To get a better deal. Hush money if you will.