The conflict in Ukraine continues to affect Europe. Sanctions against Russia increase inflation without slowing down. The reduction of gas supply from Nord Stream 1 to 20 percent has seriously affected the lives of Europeans.
European governments, on the other hand, have continued to provide financial aid, especially weapons, to Ukraine since the beginning of the crisis. Ukraine, where billions of dollars have been poured, costs Europe about 6 million immigrants and high inflation. But Europeans rose up against governments that did not give up on their Ukraine policy despite the deepening of the economic crisis. The protests drew attention to the opposition of the USA and NATO. In particular, the German government was declared an “American puppet” by both the public and the opposition. Protest against Prime Minister Olaf Scholz in Germany, government protests in England, and finally the most massive anti-NATO and anti-US action in Prague… Europe is warming up.
‘US CLOWN’ TO GERMANY PRIME MINISTER
Germany is the European country most dependent on Russia for energy. Sanctions against Russia brought inflation closer to double digits in Germany. Germany also supplied Ukraine with heavy weapons throughout the crisis. The public is disturbed by the decrease in energy prices and purchasing power.
Olaf Scholz, the social democratic prime minister of Germany, was protested at a rally in Neuruppin. “NATO and US clown, public enemy, lying traitor, get out.” it was called.
Announcing that the new economy package will be announced in a few days to relieve the citizens in the face of rising energy bills and inflation due to the sanctions imposed by the German government against Russia, Scholz’s speech was frequently interrupted by boos, whistles and slogans.
‘WE WERE THE USA’S PUPON’
Oskar Lafontaine, the former leader of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) and founder of the Left Party, was also charged with the German government. Stating that “Germany acts as a puppet of the USA”, Lafontaine said, “Germany is not an independent and sovereign country.” used the phrases. Criticizing Germany’s Ukraine policy, Lafontaine said, “Nord Stream 2 was stopped at the request of the USA.” said.
‘HOT AUTUMN FURIOUS WINTER’
Increasing unrest in Germany will turn into a rebellion as the weather gets colder. It is written in Germany that autumn will be hot in terms of action, and winter will be angry. Under the name of the Monday actions, the Left Party and the AfD (Alternative Party for Germany) are preparing to mobilize its members. There is no action yet, but domestic intelligence warns that there may be action in the fall due to costing.
‘CUT THE WAR, NOT PROSPERITY’
Another European country where protests took place is England. The shortage of supply after the Kovid-19 pandemic shook the British economy. On top of that, a number of scandals (Prime Minister Johnson broke the quarantine rules and partying) brought the resignation of the prime minister. While waiting for a new name to replace the resigning Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the waters heat up in England. Due to inflation and the decrease in purchasing power in the country, protests are organized. Announced in August, the “Enough is enough” chain of actions is spreading in the UK. The British, who carried out long-term actions in 50 places in total, criticize the government for its policies. The biggest basis of the actions carried out with the slogans “War is not absolute prosperity” is the rising energy prices due to the sanctions imposed on Russia.
ACTION AGAINST THE EU AND NATO FROM 70 THOUSAND CZECHES
Anti-NATO and EU protests were held in Czechia, a European Union country with a population of approximately 11 million, attended by tens of thousands of people. The tens of thousands who met in the capital Prague the previous day, reacted to taking sides in the Ukraine crisis and demanded an agreement with Russia. According to the estimates of the police, the number of those who participated in the demonstration is around 70,000. The action in Wenceslas Square in the city center took place a day after the government received a vote of confidence amid opposition allegations of inaction against inflation and energy prices.
“The purpose of our show is to demand changes to solve the problem of energy prices, mainly electricity and gas, which will devastate our economy this fall,” Jiri Havel, one of the event’s leaders, told news site iDNES.cz. used the phrases.
THEY CALL THE GOVERNMENT TO REsign
The demonstrators demanded the resignation of the current coalition government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The demonstrators also stressed neutrality, demanding an end to EU sanctions against Russia as it harms the Czech people and economy. Evaluating the widely attended demonstration as “pro-Russian”, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that there are people in his country who believe in the Russian propaganda and disinformation campaign, claiming that this situation harms the interests of the country.
‘WEST’S FORWARD POLICE TURNED’
The government has been criticized in Greece, which has brought relations with Russia to the breaking point since the Ukraine crisis began. The leader of Greece’s main opposition party, the Radical Left Alliance (SYRIZA), Alexis Tsipras, stated that Greece has become an “outpost of the West” and said, “I hope not, but if we have to defend our sovereignty, let’s not deceive ourselves, we will be on our own.” used the phrases. Tsipras warned that the sanctions imposed on Russia would have heavy costs for the Greek economy. Tsipras said, “If our opposition with our neighbors is only at the level of discourse, even if the tension does not increase, the consequences will be extremely negative for the economy, especially in the summer.” used his ideas
THE ANTI-RUSSIA DRAGHI GOVERNMENT FALLS IN ITALY
Some governments in Europe not only sway but fall. The government of Mario Draghi, the representative of Atlantic politics in Italy, fell in July. The government crisis started when the 5 Star Movement opposed arms aid to Ukraine. Western media, Draghi’s downfall, ‘Putin’s victory’ emphasized with emphasis.
Germany’s Deutsche Welle said: “Draghi’s fall will not only be a trophy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, but will also endanger the politics of the European Union, the Euro and Ukraine.” he commented.
STRIKE WAVE GROWING
Germany, England, Netherlands, Spain… The strike wave is growing in Europe. Strikes in the service and agriculture sectors affect transportation and food prices. The fact that they are faced with a heavy workload during busy working hours leaves no choice but to strike. Farmers, on the other hand, stop production with the increase in gasoline prices and take actions in city centers.
THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS CANCELED SINCE JUNE
Air transport is undoubtedly the sector most affected by the strikes. The heavy working conditions and the shortage of workers prompted the workers to strike. Employees of the most used airline companies such as Lufthansa, Ryanair, EasyJet started short and long-term strikes. Thousands of flights were canceled in the sector, where everyone from pilots to ground handling workers was on strike, while passengers on vacation could not get their luggage. The pilots of Lufthansa, Germany’s largest airline, went on a 24-hour strike on 2 August and 800 flights were cancelled. These cancellations affected more than 130,000 passengers.
TRANSPORTATION IN LONDON
One of the cities where the strikes are most intense is London, the capital of England. Bus drivers and subway workers went on strike in London. Strikes disrupted critical services for months as unions fought to ensure acceptable wage offers and conditions for their members amid the cost of living crisis. Strikes in the subway and road public transport have turned London traffic upside down. While the use of individual vehicles increased, people could not go to the places they should be at the time they planned.
‘NO FARM, NO FOOD’
The increase in gasoline and gas prices negatively affected the farmers who produce. In the Netherlands and Germany, farmers went down to the city centers, blocked the roads and took action. After the protests with the slogan “No farmers, no food”, market shelves were empty for a short time. Farmers who landed in the cities with their tractors poured their manure in front of public buildings and protested. Hundreds of farmers in the Netherlands blocked the roads with their tractors.
FRENCH UNIONS GO ON STRIKE ON 29 SEPTEMBER
Yesterday all the major unions of France (CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC and Solidaire) met to discuss the 29 September strike. Various demonstrations and strikes are already planned in the coming weeks. While unions outside of the CGT and Solidaire are more in favor of talks with the government, the CGT is determined to strike.
These organizations, signatories of a joint statement on 28 August, will demonstrate together on 29 September and plan a joint venture on a Saturday in October.
Concerns over inflation, energy crisis, pension and unemployment insurance: Public anger will take to the streets in the fall. The primary issue is fees.
In mid-October, Jean-Luc Melenchon’s Indomitable France party is also planning a Big march against the cost of living.
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