Largest Worker Protest
Since Breakup of Yugoslavia
BELGRADE, Yugoslavia, May 13 (AP) — About 15,000 workers demanding jobs and back pay took to the streets Monday, chanting support for Yugoslavia’s top banker in his struggle with Serbia’s pro-communist government. The protests in Belgrade and Nis, 120 miles south of the capital, were the largest workers’ demonstrations since the 1991 breakup of the old Yugoslav federation. Besides demanding back pay and jobs, the workers threw their support behind embattled Central Bank governor Dragoslav Avramovic, who is at odds with the top leaders of Serbia, the republic that dominates Yugoslavia.The architect of monetary reforms that ended hyperinflation in early 1994, Avramovic advocates quick privatization, which he says would allow workers to buy a stake in the state-run economy. But Serbia’s leadership oppose Avramovic’s free-market policies and support for reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions.
Last week, Avramovic was replaced as the head of the Yugoslav delegation at talks with the IMF by an ally of Serbia’s Socialist president, Slobodan Milosevic. The action could be a prelude to replacing him as Central Bank governor.
In Belgrade on Monday, about 5,000 engine and tractor factory workers converged in front of Serbia’s government building, chanting “Thieves! Thieves!” “Food And Work” and “Long Live Avram,” in support of Avramovic. Ten thousand more workers carried their demonstration in Nis into its second week Monday, demanding back pay and work for their idled electronics factory. The protesters carried signs saying “Our Children Are Hungry,” “Down with the (government) Mafia,” and “Avram, Avram.”
Yugoslavia faces deep economic troubles, including 100-percent annual inflation, about 50 percent unemployment and unsettled debts with foreign creditors and former Yugoslav republics that split from the old federation in 1991. Avramovic has insisted the IMF talks move ahead quickly, allowing Yugoslavia new loans to restart its mostly idled economy.
But acting on the behest of Milosevic, Yugoslavia’s most powerful politician, the government is demanding the IMF recognize Yugoslavia as the sole successor of the old federation before new talks begin. That is something no international financial institution is prepared to do until the former and present Yugoslav republics agree on how they want to settle the issue.
Addressing the protesters Monday, Avramovic warned that if the “current trend continues, our economy will suffer terrible consequences.” He accused the government of squandering money on cars and the 100,000-member police force to protect the regime. He also said the government wanted to force him into measures that would bring hyperinflation. “They are demanding I print money. Well, I won’t,” he said. “In two weeks ... it would mean catastrophe.”
Berserkistan, Apr 19 · 'Belgrade Has Lost Its Soul'
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