"Euro-march" for jobs demand

by Simon Watson in Cologne

Over 30,000 demonstrators packed the streets of Cologne at the end of May 
to demand that the European Union address the chronic problem of 
unemployment, job insecurity and social exclusion.

The protest was the start of a week of action in the run-up to the Inter-
Governmental Conference (IGC) in early June. It was also the climax of the 
"Euro-marches" from all over the EU to bring issues faced by ordinary 
people to the doorsteps of their governments.

The "Euro-march" tradition started two years ago at the IGC in Amsterdam, 
and was continued last year in Cardiff. This year, there was a strong anti-
war feeling on the march, with dozens of banners calling for an end to 
Nato's illegal aggression.

Big contingents of trade unionists from France, Spain and Greece joined the 
marchers near the front of the demonstration as it left Rudolfplatz and 
hammer and sickle flags fluttered high over communists from Yugoslavia, 
Greece, Germany, Denmark and other countries.

Four coaches came from Britain, bringing trade unionists, unemployed 
activists and students.

The iron fist of the capitalist state, in the form of thousands of police 
with riot shields and pepper spray, lined the sides of the march all the 
way along.

The 2,000-strong anti-fascist contingent, drawn from across Europe, was 
singled out and attacked by baton-wielding police on three occasions.

This has become all too common for demonstrators and we linked arms for our 
own protection.

Not everyone was able to reach the march, and a train from Utrecht in 
Holland was stopped on the border and riot police with dogs dragged 
protesters off and attacked them on the platform.

It was not just a European march. People came from all over the world 
including members of the Brazilian grass-roots peasant movement.

Indian workers who had travelled thousands of kilometres across land, came 
to protest against the oppressive terms of trade imposed on developing 
countries by multinational corporations and the governments who back them.

They are staying in Cologne for the Group of Eight (G8) imperialist summit 
on June 18 where they will be joined by thousands more to call for the 
cancellation of debt which is strangling many poorer countries.

And in London on that day protesters will be trying to form a human chain 
around the City, London's business heart.

* * *

New Worker