The rising power of European citizens

In recent days protests against government austerity measures, harsh public spending cuts and corporate culpability for the financial and economic crises have occurred in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Poland.

Here is Richard Wolff on the significance of the street protests sweeping Europe over recent days.

"These are historic days and weeks in Europe. Unprecedented trade union unity across industries, unions, and countries -- with massive support from students, retirees, churches and public opinion polls -- directly confronts governments, demanding an end to making ordinary people pay for a capitalist crisis. The terms of public debate, policy and social change are shifting in directions not seen or believed possible in Europe for decades."