Alexis Tsipras, leader of radical Left coalition, Syriza, in conversation with UK-based guardian newspaper has said that Greece is on the frontline of a war that is engulfing Europe.

"I don't believe in heroes or saviours, but I do believe in fighting for rights... no one has the right to reduce a proud people to such a state of wretchedness and indignity," he told the paper.

"After two and a half years of catastrophe, Greek are on their knees. The social state has collapsed, one in two youngsters is out of work, there are people leaving en masse, the climate psychologically is one of pessimism, depression, mass suicides."

Tsipras, who has vehemently opposed the punishing austerity measures, says he will tear up the country's 130bn euro bailout agreement.

"You ask me if I am afraid. I'd be afraid if we continued on this path, a path to social hell … when someone fights there is a big chance that he will win and we are fighting this to win."