Hol
Well-known
The neo-liberal governing coalition in Ireland survived a vote of no confidence this week; however, it has been rocked by a high-profile resignation and public critiques from party members over its handling of the widespread anti-fuel tax protests.
Earlier this month, farmers, truckers, and average citizens staged large-scale acts of civil disobedience, blockading Ireland’s only oil refinery, using vehicles to slow motorway traffic to a trickle, and preventing petrol stations from refilling.
The protests, which come amid the potentially looming energy crisis in Europe over the shutdown of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict, were aimed at the liberal government in Dublin over its hefty green-style taxes on fossil fuels.
Pressure on the government mounted over the weekend, when upwards of two-thirds of the country’s gas stations had run dry. The government refused to meet with the protesters, instead ordering the police to forcibly clear the blockades, warning that those involved would face significant consequences, including the cancellation of driving licenses and insurance for hauliers, depriving them of their livelihoods for protesting.
While the government followed the crackdown with a handout concession of €505 million ($590) in energy subsidies and a delay of planned increases to the controversial carbon tax, the PR damage had already been done, with the public largely siding with the protesters.
www.breitbart.com
Earlier this month, farmers, truckers, and average citizens staged large-scale acts of civil disobedience, blockading Ireland’s only oil refinery, using vehicles to slow motorway traffic to a trickle, and preventing petrol stations from refilling.
The protests, which come amid the potentially looming energy crisis in Europe over the shutdown of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict, were aimed at the liberal government in Dublin over its hefty green-style taxes on fossil fuels.
Pressure on the government mounted over the weekend, when upwards of two-thirds of the country’s gas stations had run dry. The government refused to meet with the protesters, instead ordering the police to forcibly clear the blockades, warning that those involved would face significant consequences, including the cancellation of driving licenses and insurance for hauliers, depriving them of their livelihoods for protesting.
While the government followed the crackdown with a handout concession of €505 million ($590) in energy subsidies and a delay of planned increases to the controversial carbon tax, the PR damage had already been done, with the public largely siding with the protesters.
Liberal Irish Suffers First Major Defection over Anti-Fuel Tax Protests
The governing coalition in Ireland survived a vote of no confidence this week; however, it has been rocked by a high-profile resignation.
www.breitbart.com
