Recession sparks riots in Sofia and Riga

RIOTS HAVE rocked the capitals of Bulgaria and Latvia as deepening economic strife grips eastern members of the European Union.

Hundreds of Bulgarians clashed with police in Sofia yesterday after about 2,000 people massed outside parliament for the latest in a series of anti-government protests.

Police efforts to disperse the gathering drew a furious response as some began smashing cars and tearing up cobblestones to hurl at shop windows and passing buses.

“We are fed up with living in the poorest and most corrupt country,” the protest organisers said. “This a unique protest which unites the people in their wish for change and their wish to live in a normal European country.”

The rally brought together farmers who complain of low prices and problems with EU subsidies, and students who have mounted an anti-crime campaign since one of them was murdered in a recent street attack.

Widespread anger at the perceived corruption and incompetence of Bulgaria’s leaders has been exacerbated by the current gas crisis, in which the Balkan state has suffered severe heating and power shortages due to its total reliance on Russia for energy.

The clashes in Sofia, which left several injured and more than 50 in police custody, came just hours after Latvia suffered its worst street violence since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

At least eight were injured and more than 100 arrested after a 10,000-strong anti-government protest descended into rioting.

Two police vehicles were destroyed and shops were smashed up and looted.

Years of strong economic growth have given way to recession in Latvia, where inflation is high, unemployment rising and allegations of corruption rife.

“Trust in the state’s authority and officials has fallen catastrophically,” said president Valdis Zatlers. He said unless politicians passed a law allowing Latvians to vote for the dissolution of parliament, he would take measures that could lead to snap elections.