The Riots of December 2008: their Causes in Historical and International Contexts

Abstract

The riots of December 2008 were initially provoked by the killing of a schoolchild, but had wider motives. Most rioters were students or schoolchildren; while the destruction was perpetrated mainly by self-styled anarchists and revolutionaries. For the most part, their attitudes and behaviour patterns can be dated from 1974 and were now unique to Greece. The young were experienced in protesting against a poor educational system, lack of job prospects and political corruption. Anarchists and revolutionaries flourished in a society which had good cause to be disrespectful of governmental authority. Both groups confronted a discredited and inefficient police force.