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.