Thousands Protest IMF and World Bank Meetings in Washington D.C.

Strategic Insights -

Protesters gathered in Washington D.C. to protest the meetings between the World Bank and International Monetary Fund officials and central bank governors and finance ministers from 180 countries. The demonstrations, which drew as many as 10,000 people, aimed to disrupt the meetings and bring attention to their cause. The protesters, who were inspired by the success of a similar protest in Seattle last year, were met with a heavily barricaded police presence. Despite the police's efforts to maintain control, some skirmishes broke out between protesters and police, resulting in the use of tear gas and batons.

Key Takeaways:

  • Up to 10,000 protesters gathered to disrupt meetings between World Bank and IMF officials and central bank governors and finance ministers from 180 countries.
  • The protests were inspired by a similar demonstration in Seattle last year, where thousands of protesters delayed and upstaged a key meeting of the World Trade Organization.
  • Police barricaded off much of the downtown area, but some protesters managed to breach the barriers and clash with police, resulting in the use of tear gas and batons.
  • Protesters used makeshift drums, danced, and displayed large puppets, including a 10-foot-tall sun goddess, to show their opposition to the IMF and World Bank.
  • Officially sanctioned protests on the Ellipse near the White House were more festive, with kids in sandwich boards and speakers thanking the protesters for coming.
  • A Steelworkers union president, George Becker, praised the youthful protesters, saying they represented the "best of your generation."
  • A group of "Raging Grannies" from North Carolina, led by Kitty Boniski, expressed hope that the young protesters would continue to fight for their cause when the grannies were no longer able to.

Statistics:

  • Up to 10,000 protesters gathered in Washington D.C. to disrupt the meeting.
  • 180 countries were represented at the IMF and World Bank meeting.
  • The protests were inspired by a similar demonstration in Seattle last year.
  • Police used tear gas and batons to control the protesters.

Sources:

  • NPR's Kathleen Schalch report, exact source not provided.
  • Protester Bragen Conigspecher, exact source not provided.
  • Unidentified police field commander Gene Marlin, exact source not provided.
  • Steelworkers union president George Becker, exact source not provided.
  • "Raging Granny" Kitty Boniski, exact source not provided.