How different they are, the two ongoing demonstrations that have made the headlines now for several days!
In Belarus, people are venting their anger against the ridiculous results of the latest elections, demanding democracy. The riot police break up demonstrations and show the brutality of the regime against peaceful demonstrators. Yet, the protesters seem to persist.
In France, young people are demonstrating against a new law, intended to encourage enterprises to hire young people.
This law is consistently being described in the media as a law to make it easier for companies to fire young people! One gets the impression that there are droves of youngsters that will be fired en masse when the law comes into effect. But, wait! Weren’t they jobless to start with?
The demonstrators fight for status quo, and some of them are turning violent, setting ablaze vehicles and property, and attacking firemen and police.
One is a demonstration of courage and hope, one is a demonstration of protectionism and despair. It does not bode well for old Europe…