The European Social Forum and Manifestazione
Louise | 13.11.2002 00:33
On Saturday I came into Firenze central at 10 am. The city was very crowded - all the cafes and restaurants were closed and many of us were hungry and thirsty. I saw one open cafe, one open shop and a kiosk at the railway station. This is what really affected me first thing. I was concerned about lots of people getting impatient due to low blood sugar. (This could have been due to my caffeine withdrawal problems.) The numbers were overwhelming, the organisers (ESF) had originally said to begin moving at 3 pm. Due to the enormous crush of people heading out of town in all directions people had to begin walking. I watched people moving forward from the Fortressa, (main ESF venue,) at about noon. I believe people ahead of them started walking earlier. At 6 - 6.30 pm I watched the Italian TV news. (Italians call demos a "Manifestazione.") The live video footage and reporting showed a huge mass of people waiting to BEGIN walking. It was impossible to see the beginning or the end of the Manifestation. As for transport impossibilities, I was walking with many people who lived in Florence - not all of us needed transport. I smiled while listening to the Mayor of Tuscany on TV, he said "the people of Florence should apologise to the people of the European Social Forum for assuming bad behaviour and for closing their businesses on Saturday" - also adding that those who did open up made "lots of money." There was much TV talk of the peaceful behaviour and joyful attitudes of the people on the streets. Uniformed police were almost nowhere. I spotted them twice up a couple of side streets. Lots of police helicopters flew over and the people cheered and waved jubilantly. Supporters ringing bells and hanging peace flags from windows were also recipients of clapping and cheering. The atmosphere was electric. So very happy and life changing. I felt like I was taking part in Italian history. I spoke to someone from Milano. He said that the general strike attracted one million in the North and seven million in the south. He described Italians as accustomed to being out on the streets protesting. The event was organised superbly. An amazing time was had by all; despite being freezing cold, hungry and thirsty. IMHO the exact numbers are irrelevant, the happening and critical mass is what matters and even so...I cannot resist saying ...I noticed that some of the comments posted on Indymedia were on the web by 7:50pm Sat Nov 9. The Manifestation had barely finished at that time so comments posted before the end have to be factually inaccurate. The ESF manifesto is "Un altra europa e possible" - "Against the neoliberalism, war and racism." Lots of criticisms could be made but they would be niggles in my book. The fact that these events happened is a good start - nothing is perfect. We can make a start though - boycott the World Bank: more at www.aseed.net
Louise
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