BERLIN (Dispatches) – Protests have been held across the European Union against soaring inflation and the rising costs of living caused by sanctions imposed on Russia.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in some of the EU’s major capital cities, calling on the authorities to take measures and lift Russian sanctions.
In Berlin, protesters marched on the streets to show their disapproval of the government’s policies on soaring energy prices, crushing costs of living, and inadequate social policies, urging their government to lift the sanctions on Russian oil and gas supplies.
“From tissues to durable goods, everything is ridiculously expensive. Many people cannot afford their electricity and heating fees when they get their invoices, which usually come in spring next year. Tenants will also be unable to pay rent. What are we going to do then? We have no idea how chaotic it is going to be. So it’s understandable that people are now full of fears about the future,” said a protester.
Several such rallies took place in Germany’s capital city on Saturday, and the largest one was organized by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party outside the Reichstag building, the lower house of the German parliament.
In a speech, AfD co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, called for the removal of Russia sanctions, accusing Economy Minister Robert Habeck of waging a war against the German people by causing an energy crisis through the sanctioning of Russia.
The police estimate that about 10,000 participants took part in the rallies.
Some activists carried posters that said, “I want Russian gas and oil” and, “Those who remain silent today will freeze tomorrow.”
Since the beginning of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Western countries have increased sanctions pressure on Russia. Disruption in supply chains has led to higher fuel and food prices across the EU, driving inflation to record levels and causing cost of living to soar.
Multiple rallies also took place in the capital of the Czech Republic on Saturday. Protesters gathered in Prague’s Wenceslas Square in protest of the government’s incapacity to address the crushing costs of living and the downgrade in living standards.
Also, the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) has been hosting a series of protests in the past few days in the streets of Austria’s capital, Vienna, to protest the government’s “inactivity” in addressing rising energy costs. Protesters also voiced their opposition to Brussels’ anti-Moscow sanctions.
Italians - mostly union and party members but also some local residents - also protested against the rising cost of living, inflation and energy tariff in the country and denounced the lack of government action to help the less well-off.
Last month, Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, called for a ceasefire to end the Russia-Ukraine war and said the sanctions had “backfired” and was dealing a blow to Europe’s economy.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered in Paris to call for an end to France’s membership in the US-led NATO, chanting “Let’s get out of NATO.”