Olivia Malvebo
8A
February 12, 2014
Demonstrators venting their anger at politicians whom they view as self-serving and corrupt leads to Bosnia's most widespread anti-government protest in almost two decades, and protestors are calling for the resignation of the government. Thousands of Bosnian protesters including mostly young people and recently laid-off workers have been demonstrating for over six days. They started anti-government protests in over 30 cities in Bosnia in late January to early February 2014.
The Bosniaks - Serbs, Croats, and Muslims - brought an end to the 1992-95 civil war by constructing a state that gave each a share of power and none dominance. But the Bosnians have added layers of complexity to the original design that have hindered economic development. Therefore, the overall unemployment is estimated at 27-40 percent, and as many as 70 percent of young people are without work. British Foreign Minister William Hague said "The economic unrest is a wake-up call for the European Union". They say that overpaid politicians have left the country with more than 40 percent unemployment and unrestrained corruption. Protestors say, "This is not a way of living. We want our dignity back". They also said that "the biggest fear of our politicians is a united people". The protests started in the former industrial heartland town of Tuzla after four state-owned companies were privatized and sold off leaving workers unpaid and without jobs. People were unhappy and decided to make themselves heard.
The demonstrations lasted for over six days and caused major damage. There were mass protests in more than 30 cities and the heads of four regional cantons have already resigned. Furthermore, in Tuzla locals were cleaning up after government buildings were destroyed in riots, and in Sarajevo, demonstrators gathered outside the presidency building, which was later set on fire. About 1,000 protestors fanned out across downtown Sarajevo, chanting slogans against "criminals" in government and urging those in authority to "resign today". Social media, especially Facebook and Twitter, recently harnessed long-simmering frustration and anger at state corruption. On the positive side, however, several older demonstrators said they were marching on behalf of their children or grandchildren; 44-ear-old Belma Ridzal said, "I just want to support the young people of our country. It's very simple; it's their time".
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