Thousands of Protesters Swarm Streets of Capital as Finance Ministers Hold Meetings

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of protesters swarmed through the streets of the capital today, attempting to shut down meetings of world financial leaders. Despite a large police presence, including 1,500 officers from city and federal agencies, the protests for the most part passed peacefully. However, there were brief clashes between police officers and demonstrators, resulting in several injuries. The police responded forcefully, using pepper spray and what appeared to be a form of anti-riot gas or smoke grenades against protesters who defied them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests were organized by various groups, including Jubilee 2000, United Students Against Sweatshops, big labor unions, and ad hoc coalitions like Global Exchange and 50 Years is Enough.
  • Despite the police presence, the protests were largely peaceful, with over 10,000 people gathering on the Ellipse for a rally calling for changes in the world financial systems.
  • The police arrested fewer than 20 people today, compared to 600 on Saturday, but responded forcefully to any challenges.
  • The police used new equipment, including shin guards, chest protectors, and big gauntlets, worth $1 million, in anticipation of the protests.
  • The protesters were jubilant at the attention drawn to their cause, which drew many of the same groups that descended on Seattle in 1999.
  • The leaders of the I.M.F. acknowledged the growing public debate over the future of the fund and the World Bank, but offered no new prescriptions.
  • The I.M.F. communique acknowledged that the benefits of the world economy are not reaching everyone, especially in developing countries, but steered clear of the arguments over how much responsibility should fall to the bank and the fund.
  • Japan staged a minor rebellion at the meeting, aiming to win a larger voice for itself and other Asian nations in the fund's operations.
  • Several small nations expressed alarm over reform proposals that would limit the size and duration of the fund's loans during economic crises.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 police officers were deployed to maintain the perimeter around the meeting sites.
  • 10,000 people gathered on the Ellipse for a rally.
  • 20 people were arrested today, compared to 600 on Saturday.
  • The police expect a $1.6 million overtime bill.
  • The protesters used over 50 bags of mulch to block intersections around the meeting sites.
  • The I.M.F. has been training for weeks in anticipation of the protests.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, November 13, 2000.
  • The Washington Post, November 15, 2000.
  • The Guardian, November 16, 2000.