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

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.stop-g20.org

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

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

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

Sweden: www.attac.se

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