Over the past weekend, protests erupted in multiple countries around the world, ranging from peaceful marches to violent clashes. In Chile, soldiers and tanks were deployed on the streets for the first time since 1990, following a state of emergency declared in Santiago after protests over a now-suspended metro fare increase turned violent. The demonstrations have since expanded to include broader issues such as the cost of living and inequality. At least five people died over the weekend after looters set fire to a garment factory and a supermarket, with further disruption expected.
In Lebanon, protests against corruption and austerity entered their fifth day, with hundreds of thousands of people angered by proposed new taxes, including one on voice calls via WhatsApp and other messaging services, which was quickly scrapped. Power cuts and uncollected rubbish have also fuelled public anger. The coalition government is considering economic reforms, such as scrapping taxes and halving top officials' salaries, to quell the unrest.
In Barcelona, a peaceful protest of 500,000 people demanding Catalan independence descended into violence as some demonstrators threw objects at police, who responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. The protests followed prison sentences for nine separatist politicians. Acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that those causing disturbances would face justice.
Haiti has experienced weeks of protests over an economic crisis, with citizens demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse, whom they blame for fuel shortages and rising inflation. A journalist covering the protests was found dead in his car with gunshot wounds. The president has rejected calls to step down, stating he would not leave the country in the hands of armed gangs and drug traffickers.
In London, up to one million people marched on Saturday, according to organisers, demanding a 'final say' on Brexit. The 'People's Vote march' saw participants from across the UK gather at Parliament Square. Politicians including Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson addressed the crowd, while MPs inside the House of Commons voted for another delay to Brexit.
In Northern Ireland, politicians sat in Stormont for the first time in nearly three years after being recalled in a last-ditch attempt to stop changes to abortion law. A law requiring the government to liberalise abortion and extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland is set to come into effect at midnight, which unionist parties oppose. It is unlikely that politicians can act in time to prevent the changes.
