18:00 - 20:00
University of Kassel, Kassel
More than half of African countries are extremely indebted. Observers speak of the worst debt crisis in history.
High interest rate- and repayment obligations to foreign creditors put state budgets and thus public services under massive pressure. Salaried employees are particularly affected by this: Despite high inflation, wages are stagnating, Positions remain unfilled, Clinics and schools close, Unfair consumption taxes are increased.
Because of multinational interests (financial)There is no fundamental improvement in sight for companies and countries in the Global North.
The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (IGB Africa) advocates for debt cancellations and structural reforms of international finance- and debt architecture. In their work towards these goals, African unions also rely on solidarity support from Europe.
In the discussion we want to address the following questions, among others: What has the ITUC-Africa been able to achieve so far?, what opportunities and challenges does he see?? What contribution must Germany and Europe make to ensure fair debt relief for African states?? What role can German trade unions play in this context?? How can national struggles against austerity be linked and strengthened??