[WSF-Discuss] From Oslo to Cádiz: “We will not pay for your crisis!” - Responding to the call for a global day of action on March 28

[CACIM]

>From Oslo to Cádiz: “We will not pay for your crisis!”

2009-03-28 11:36

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http://www.newsdesk.se/pressroom/attac_sverige/pressrelease/view/from-oslo-to-cadiz-we-will-not-pay-for-your-crisis-283021

On the verge of the so-called G20 global financial summit which begins in
London on April 2, people all over Europe are taking to the streets today,
Saturday, to demonstrate for a society based on solidarity and to protest
the antisocial crisis-driven policies of their governments and the G20. They
are responding to the call for a global day of action on March 28 that went
out at the World Social Forum in Belém, Brazil. Under the motto "We will not
pay for your crisis", a large number of European Attac organisations are
playing a central role in the wide political coalition participating in the
demonstrations, rallies and actions.

In its call for protest on March 28, the European Attac network demands an
economic system that "serves people and the environment." The costs of the
current crisis must be borne by the profiteers who reaped huge benefits in
the past, not by citizens. The system must change.

"Attac is mobilising on a European level. Representing civil society on
March 28, our network criticises those responsible for the current crisis
and demands democratic control of financial markets and the protection of
people from antisocial consequences of the current crisis-driven policies.
This extends far beyond national borders and is a European and global
cause", says Hugo Braun, member of the coordinating board of Attac Germany.
Meeting the global challenge posed by this crisis will require a global
counterweight. Today's day of action is another step in that direction.

The biggest mass demonstration of the continent today is expected to take
place in London under the motto "Put People First". Attac activists from all
over Europe will participate in the protest march. Susan George, honorary
president of Attac France, will speak in Hyde Park on behalf of the European
Attac Network. "This crisis is a crisis of the whole world system - it's a
crisis of poverty and inequality, of food and agriculture, of climate and
the environment. So let's use the financial crisis to solve the others and
let's begin with the banks. The banks are ours!", Susan George stresses.

In Germany as well, several tens of thousands of people are expected at
demonstrations in Berlin and Frankfurt, co-organised by Attac in a broad
citizens' alliance. "The key to a way out of the crisis and towards a stable
global economy is a change in direction of wealth redistribution: from rich
to poor. In addition to new national and international taxes, the financial
system belongs in public hands, outside the logic of superprofits", says
Alexis Passadakis, one of two Attac speakers at the rallies.

Following the impressive general strike in France on March 19, French Attac
groups will take part in local actions in about 50 cities there. "It appears
that the G20 and individual governments care only about saving the system,
maintaining profits for a minority and socialising the losses caused by the
crisis. Let's face it, we need a big change in the system and we urgently
demand the following measures: abolish tax havens, create global taxes
particularly on financial transactions, limit high incomes and build a
public banking and financial system", says Aurélie Trouvé, president of
Attac France.

In Austria, a wide coalition of more than 220 organisations - including once
again Attac - is calling for a demonstration in Vienna. Alexandra Strickner,
chairperson of Attac Austria: "The ones who brought us this crisis are now
calling the shots and making the world's poorest in 193 countries pay. All
countries, parliaments and civil society representatives should be at the
table for a democratic conference on global finance. A new, truly democratic
institution under the auspices of the United Nations is necessary."

>From Barcelona to Madrid to Seville, Granada, Murcia and Cádiz: in Spain's
cities Attac is involved with social movements and unions to bring protests
to the streets. In Norway, Attac has called for a demonstration in front of
the parliament in Oslo. In Switzerland, a wide coalition including Attac is
organizing a march in Geneva.

*For queries*:

   - Niklas Olin, Attac Sweden. tel 0046-(0)706 41 4088
   - Hugo Braun, Attac Germany, tel. 0049-(0)171 5422 515
   - Aurélie Trouvé, Attac France, tel. 0033-(0)617 175 087
   - Alexandra Strickner, Attac Austria, tel. 0043-(0)664 104 8428

*Links:*

Great Britain: http://www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk/

Germany: http://www.28maerz.de/

Austria: http://www.28maerz.at/

France: http://www.france.attac.org/spip.php?article9659

Spain: http://www.attac.es/portalattac/

Norway: http://www.attac.no/aktivitetskalender/2009/03/28/1236861207

Sweden: http://www.attac.se

Switzerland: http://www.suisse.attac.org/fr

*Signed by*:  Attac Austria, Attac Catalonia, Attac Denmark, Attac Finland,
Attac France, Attac Germany, Attac Greece, Attac Hungary, Attac Netherlands,
Attac Norway, Attac Poland, Attac Spain, Attac Sweden, Attac Switzerland,
Attac Vlaanderen, Attac Wallonia-Brussels
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