[Reader-list] Global update

[jeebesh at sarai.net]

Crisis heightens danger of global social unrest
SOURCE:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090203/world-news/crisis-heightens-danger-of-global-social-unrest

France

Hundreds of thousands of strikers marched in French cities on Thursday to
demand pay rises and job protection. Some protesters clashed with police,
but no major violence was reported.

The one-day strike failed to paralyse the country and support from private
sector workers appeared limited. Labour leaders hailed the action, which
marked the first time France's eight union federations had joined forces
against the government since President Nicolas Sarkozy took office in 2007.

Russia

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Moscow and the far east port
of Vladivostok on Saturday in a national day of protests over hardships
caused by the financial crisis.

Street rallies were held in almost every major city. The pro-Kremlin United
Russia party also drew thousands to rallies in support of government
anti-crisis measures.

About 100 protesters were arrested in Vladivostok last month during
protests against hikes in second hand car import duties aimed at protecting
jobs in the domestic car industry.

Madagascar

More than 100 people were killed in civil unrest in Madagascar last week,
according to the US ambassador. Police previously confirmed 44 deaths, with
most of those in a store burned during looting when an anti-government
protest degenerated into violence.

The mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, galvanised popular frustrations
to spearhead demonstrations and strikes against President Marc
Ravalomanana's government. The violence came amid an oil and minerals
exploration boom in Madagascar.

Iceland

Parties forming a new coalition for the crisis-hit island decided on Sunday
its new prime minister will be former Social Affairs Minister Johanna
Sigurdardottir.

Prime Minister Geir Haarde resigned last week after a series of protests,
some of which had turned violent. He was the first leader to fall as a
direct result of the credit crunch.

The collapse of the country's fast-expanding banks under a weight of debt
forced the country to take a €7.8 billion IMF-led rescue package and
sparked widespread anger.

Davos

Hundreds of people rallied in Geneva and Davos on Saturday to protest
against the World Economic Forum, saying the elite gathered for its annual
meeting are not qualified to fix the world's problems.

In Geneva, where the WEF has its headquarters, police in riot gear fired
teargas and water canon to disperse a crowd.

Britain

Thousands of energy workers staged walkouts on Friday in protest over the
use of foreign labour, fearing for their jobs in what is set to be the
worst recession in the world's major economies.

Contractors at a refinery owned by France's Total began protests on
Wednesday after Italian firm IREM won a contract to build a new unit.
Unions say it has brought in workers from Italy and Portugal and deprived
Britons of work.

Greece

Greek farmers removed roadblocks last week which caused 11 days of travel
chaos across the country as they protested against low prices. They kept
their blockade on Bulgaria's border and central Greece.

High youth unemployment was a main driver for rioting in Greece in
December, initially sparked by the police shooting of a youth in an Athens
neighbourhood. The protests forced a government reshuffle.

Guadeloupe

France sent a minister to the Caribbean island on Sunday for talks aimed at
ending a 13-day general strike over pay and prices that has paralysed the
French territory.

An alliance of 47 unions and local bodies launched their protest on January
20 over the cost of living. They have drawn up a list of 146 demands
including a €200 euro increase in the minimum salary, a freeze on rents
and a cut in taxes and food prices. Island authorities have rejected the
demands.

Bulgaria

Hundreds of Bulgarians demanded economic and social reforms in the face of
a global slowdown in anti-government rallies last month, calling on the
Socialist-led government to act or step down.

Earlier last month, hundreds of protesters clashed with police, smashed
windows and damaged cars in Sofia when a rally against corruption and slow
reforms in the face of the economic crisis turned into a riot.

Latvia

A 10,000-strong protest in Latvia on January 16 descended into a riot, with
protesters trying to storm parliament before going on the rampage.
Government steps to cut wages, as part of an austerity plan to win
international aid, have angered people.

Lithuania

Also on January 16, police fired teargas to disperse demonstrators who
pelted parliament with stones in protest at government cuts in social
spending to offset an economic slowdown. Police said 80 people were
detained and 20 injured.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said the violence would not stop an
austerity plan launched after a slide in output and revenues.