Anti-austerity movement in Greece

Quick Facts: Who was Anti-austerity movement in Greece?

Subject:

Anti-austerity movement in Greece

Known for:

A series of civil unrest and strikes protesting austerity measures following the Greek debt crisis.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The anti-austerity movement in Greece involved a series of demonstrations and general strikes that took place across the country. The events, which began on 5 May 2010, were provoked by plans to cut public spending and raise taxes as austerity measures in exchange for a €110 billion bail-out, aimed at solving the Greek government-debt crisis. Three people were killed on 5 May in one of the largest demonstrations in Greece since 1973. On 25 May 2011 (2011-05-25), anti-austerity activists organised by the Direct Democracy Now! movement, known as the Indignant Citizens Movement (Greek: Κίνημα Αγανακτισμένων Πολιτών, Kínima Aganaktisménon-Politón), started demonstrating in major cities across Greece.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

This second wave of demonstrations proved different from the years before in that they were not partisan and began through peaceful means. Some of the events later turned violent, particularly in the capital city of Athens. Inspired by the anti-austerity protests in Spain, these demonstrations were organised entirely using social networking sites, which earned it the nickname "May of Facebook". The demonstrations and square sit-ins were officially ended when municipal police removed demonstrators from Thessaloniki's White Tower square on 7 August 2011. On 29 June 2011, violent clashes occurred between the riot police and activists as the Greek parliament voted to accept the EU's austerity requirements.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Incidents of police brutality were reported by international media such as the BBC, The Guardian, CNN iReport and The New York Times, as well as by academic research and organisations Amnesty International. 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. 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.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1973: 1973 Milestone — Three people were killed on 5 May in one of the largest demonstrations in Greece since 1973.
2. 2010: 2010 Milestone — The events, which began on 5 May 2010, were provoked by plans to cut public spending and raise taxes as austerity measures in exchange for a €110 billion bail-out, aimed at solving the Greek government-debt crisis.
3. 2011: 2011 Milestone — On 25 May 2011 (2011-05-25), anti-austerity activists organised by the Direct Democracy Now!

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Anti-austerity movement in Greece

True or False: “The initial major anti-austerity demonstrations in Greece began on May 5, 2010.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The protests were directly provoked by the plans to implement austerity measures and raise taxes as part of a bailout package.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-austerity movement in Greece