Posts

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Greece: the European version of the shock doctrine

Kostas Svolis, OCL

The dawn of a new dark era

All the austerity measures imposed on the Greek people since 2010 constitute a small hors d'oeuvre compared to the tsunami of poverty and the social misery which is announced and that capital, the greek government, IMF and EU leadership will serve as main course.

The percentage of “official” unemployment has exceeded 16%, while the actual figure is estimated to be over 20%. The situation is really dramatic for young people because the percentage of real unemployment concerning this age group reached 40%, whereas it is estimated that, by the end of 2011, the number of unemployed is expected to exceed 1 million. Workers' wages are constantly falling and it is estimated that between 2010 and 2012 the total decrease will have reached 30%.

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structural adjustment: Icelanders have not said their last word…

Jérome Duval, Olivier Bonfond, CADTM

After plunging the peoples of the South in poverty in their countries into debt, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) is now tackling the European peoples, hit hard by the international capitalist crisis. The ratings agencies, tools at the service of the financial oligarchy, playing for their full part in the race to profitability in the debt market, not hesitating to financially punish the slightest misstep countries weakened by crisis. But Icelandic, imposing a referendum on an irresponsible and dangerous act, do not intend to submit as easily. The fight is certainly unbalanced, but it's not over ...

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Haiti: a typical case of odious debt

Warning: IWWs do not necessarily share CADTM's perspective

Sophie perchellet, Third World Debt Cancellation Committee

Today, we are interested in Haiti. However, of all comments, none goes beyond the terrible earthquake. We are hastily reminded that it is one of the poorest countries on the planet but without explaining the causes.. We are led to believe that poverty and come like this, that it is an irremediable fact : "It is the curse that strikes".

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the IMF, shylock of Haiti

Imagine poor families, say in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, find themselves on the street because of a fire. without insurance, these families must count on the solidarity to get by. Now comes a shylock offering these families "emergency loans" accompanied by severe conditions and high interest rates. What would you say ? No doubt you would be outraged. Yet this is what the IMF has done in Haiti.

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