Anti-austerity movement in Greece

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Anti-austerity movement in Greece
Part of the
police violence
Casualties
Death(s)5 May 2010: 3
20 October 2011: 1
4 April 2012 : 1
18 October 2012 : 1
Injuries28–29 June 2011: over 270[3]
12 February 2012: over 40[4]
5 April 2012 : 1 (Marios Lolos)[5]

The anti-austerity movement in Greece involved a series of demonstrations and

since 1973
.

On 25 May 2011 (2011-05-25), anti-austerity activists organised by the

social networking sites, which earned it the nickname "May of Facebook".[14] The demonstrations and square sit-ins were officially ended when municipal police removed demonstrators from Thessaloniki's White Tower square on 7 August 2011.[citation needed
]

On 29 June 2011, violent clashes occurred between the

CNN iReport and The New York Times, as well as by academic research[15] and organisations Amnesty International.[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] The Athens Prosecutor agreed to an investigation into accusations of excessive use of tear gas, as well as the alleged use of other expired and carcinogenic chemical substances. As of 2011, the investigation was under way.[23]

Background of the 2010 events

In the early to mid-2000s, the government took advantage of Greece's strong economy by running a large deficit. As the world economy cooled in the late 2000s, Greece was hit hard because its main industries—

shipping and tourism—were sensitive to changes in the business cycle. As a result, the country's debt began to pile up rapidly. The Government announced in late 2009 that it had racked up enough debt to be running a deficit of almost 13% of Greece's global domestic product.[24] This was worsened by Greece's problem with tax evasion among the country's upper middle and upper class, with the top bracket of households being responsible for 80% of total tax debt owed to the government.[24] In early 2010 policy makers[who?
] suggested that emergency bailouts might be necessary.

On 5 March 2010, the

Standard & Poor's cut the country's main debt rating to BB+ ("junk" status), increasing concern that a default might occur.[26][27]

Austerity measures

On 1 May, Prime Minister

value added tax.[29][30] The proposed changes, which aim to save €30 billion through 2012, represent the biggest government overhaul within a single generation.[31] The cuts are in line with the EU-International Monetary Fund loan proposals, which demand that Greece liberalise its economy.[32] They helped Greece reach a loan agreement, announced on 2 May, for an immediate €45 billion in loans (with a 5% interest for the most part, provided by the EU), with additional funds available in the future.[31][33][34][35] The total value of the loans was expected to be in the €110 billion range.[36] Papandreou submitted the bill to Parliament on 4 May.[37]

The Hellenic Parliament was expected to vote on the proposed austerity measures on 6 May.

Panhellenic Socialist Movement's large 160-seat advantage in Parliament.[31][37] The government has pleaded with demoralised staff not to retire, fearing that a surge in benefits requests could further drain the public treasury.[36]

In separate votes on 29 and 30 June, Parliament approved the austerity measures.[38][39]

Relationship to the 2008 Greek riots

The

global economic crisis), a rising unemployment rate among young people and a perception of general inefficiency and corruption in Greek state institutions.[43][44][45]
Related sporadic protests continued into 2011 and beyond.

2010 protests

The chief motivator behind the anti austerity protests appeared to be a deprivation type stimulus with actors, such as financial institutions and other foreign bodies such as the EU and Germany, being held accountable for the austerity policies implemented.[46]

Before 5 May 2010

On May Day, there were protest marches in Athens and Thessaloniki, by many unions, left-wing, anarchist and communist party supporters. Violent clashes broke out when riot police were sent out to contain the protesters.[47]

On 4 May, members of the Communist Party of Greece broke into the Acropolis of Athens and hung banners: "People of Europe Rise Up".[48]

5 May 2010 strike and demonstrations