The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, today issued a warning about a global wave of protests driven by the rising cost of living and exacerbated by international conflicts, urging governments to tackle inequality.
In a statement to journalists, Guterres noted that millions of people, from Europe to developing countries, are facing a prolonged cost of living crisis, manifested in rising prices for food, fuel, and other essential goods.
The UN Secretary-General also drew attention to the rise in interest rates, which affects both families and states, as well as the deteriorating economic prospects for the younger generation.
According to Guterres, accumulated frustration is transforming into waves of demonstrations across different continents, where citizens demand answers from authorities.
In France, recent protests have resulted in at least two deaths, over two thousand arrests, widespread looting, and the imposition of mandatory curfews in cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
In Portugal and Spain, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest housing difficulties, while in Italy, protests against the cost of living, particularly in Milan and Bologna, have led to clashes with the police.
In Albania, demonstrations have also escalated into violent confrontations, with security forces using rubber bullets.
According to ONU News, the Secretary-General also mentioned protests motivated by the economic crisis in Iran following currency devaluation, as well as anti-immigration rallies in South Africa that resulted in casualties in Durban.
Guterres acknowledged the depth of social discontent but condemned acts of violence and destruction associated with some demonstrations.
He insisted that those responsible for criminal acts must be held accountable, while emphasizing the need for governments to respond to the economic and social causes of the protests.
The Secretary-General stated that economic instability is only part of the global crisis, warning of an increase in armed conflicts and their consequences for civilian populations.
Comparing the situation to the El Niño climate phenomenon, Guterres declared that the world is experiencing a kind of 'El Niño war,' where local conflicts have repercussions thousands of kilometers away.
From the Middle East to Ukraine and Sudan, Guterres condemned attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools, airports, and energy facilities.
He specifically warned about the consequences of escalating military actions in the Middle East, which threatens global energy and food security.
The Secretary-General also identified economic inequality as a factor intensifying the effects of international crises. He noted that while a privileged minority can absorb price increases, millions of people are forced to choose between buying food and heating their homes.
In Guterres's view, this situation demonstrates structural problems requiring coordinated responses from governments and international institutions.
Guterres warned that the multiplication of wars exacerbates human suffering, drives up prices, and diverts vital resources from development, deepening divisions in an already highly unequal world.
The Secretary-General concluded that the population, demanding security and dignity, expects concrete solutions from governments and international organizations to overcome the current crisis.