Civil Unrest

World Bank warns of social unrest
The head of the World Bank has warned that the global economic crisis could lead to serious social upheaval. "If we do no take measures, there is a risk of a serious human and social crisis with very serious political implications," Robert Zoellick said. He pointed to Eastern Europe, which faces the "tricky situation" of fast-shrinking economies and protests. Mr Zoellick suggested governments should start preparing for high levels of unemployment. "In my opinion, in this context, nobody really knows what is going to happen and the best one can do is be ready for any eventuality," Mr Zoellick said in an interview with Spain's El Pais newspaper. (Read more at )

German economic slump brings fears of social unrest

(News Feature) By Helen MaguireApr 23, 2009, 12:48 GMT
Berlin - As German analysts are estimating an economic shrinkage of some 6 per cent in 2009, voices are now beginning to warn of the dangers of social unrest. Presidential candidate Gesine Schwan said Thursday that popular anger could grow significantly in coming months, as initial measures to counter the economic downturn wore off. 'If there isn't a glimmer of hope that the situation is improving, the mood could become explosive,' the Social Democratic (SPD) candidate told the daily Muenchener Merkur. French industrial activism crossed the border into Germany Thursday, as around 1,200 French factory workers travelled to Hanover, to protest during the annual shareholders' meeting of German car parts group Continental in Hanover. Around 3,000 demonstrators gathered, upset at plans for Continental to close factories in Germany and France, eliminating 1,900 jobs over the next 12 months.

'We are in a cooperative position, although right now we are extremely angry,' Continental's senior staff representative Werner Bischoff said of the proposed factory closures. Earlier in the week, demonstrations in France over plans to shut down the Continental plant in Clairoix had turned violent after French workers went on the rampage. France is experiencing a growing wave of violence as the economic crisis is forcing more and more factories to close and lay off staff. (read more at )