2010–12 Greek protests

On 5 May 2010, a general strike and nationwide demonstrations took place in major cities of Greece. The protests were triggered by the planned cuts in public spending, such as the reduction of wages and benefits as austerity measures in return for a 110 billion euro rescue package that has been designed to the Greek debt crisis, which came to light in 2010 to solve. Three people were killed in the protests of May 5, the largest protests since the massive demonstrations that led to the fall of the dictatorship in 1974.

On 25 May 2011, the movement of the outraged citizens began (Greek: Κίνημα Αγανακτισμένων Πολιτών ), also known as the Greek Revolution, to demonstrate in many cities across the country. These demonstrations are still continuing. This second wave of mass demonstrations is radically different from the demonstrations in May 2010, namely the fact that they are neither organized by a political party, nor supported a particular party. At the start of the protests were peaceful. Following the Spanish protests of 2011, these demonstrations were organized entirely via the social networks, which is why they got the nickname Facebook Mai. Later in the protests took on violent character.

Many observers raised the question whether the protests in Greece are part of a Europe-wide networked protest movement and whether they had been inspired by the events of the Arab Spring. There was talk of a pan-European movement of the " indignant ones ".

Background of protest in 2010

Mid-2000s was the Greek economy strong and the government drew benefits by admitting a large budget deficit. As the world economy cooled in the late 2000s, Greece was hit especially hard because its main industries - transport and tourism - particularly sensitive reacted to changes in the economic cycle. As a result, the country's debt grew rapidly. In the spring of 2010, when the Greek public debt grew, policy makers hinted that an emergency rescue may be required.

On 5 March 2010 the Greek parliament passed a cost -reducing legislative package to protect the economy. On 23 April, the Greek Government asked for the activation of the rescue package offered by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. The funds were expected to be available quickly, but it was unclear whether they would be activated before a crucial debt restructuring on May 19. On the 27th of April, Standard & Poor's debt rating for the country to BB (as "junk " status assessed ), whereby the concern grew that this rating could become standard.

Austerity

Greek Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou announced on May 1 at a fourth series of austerity measures by the Greek government, which were described as " unprecedented." These include more pay cuts in public services, pension cuts, new taxes on corporate profits, an increase in the luxury and tobacco taxes and an increase in VAT.

The proposed changes are to be saved by up to 30 billion euros in 2012, represent the largest government reform within one generation represents the savings are consistent with the EU - IMF loan proposals, in line, which called for the liberalization of the economy of Greece and the country on 2 May helped to an immediate, 45 -billion-euro loans, mostly made ​​out of the EU to 5% interest rates available and future additional resources. The total value of the loans is expected in the range of 110 billion euros. On May 4, Papandreou presented to Parliament before the bill.