IMF Warns of Global Social Unrest Risk as COVID-19 Economic Measures Unfold

In this report, the international financial organization looked at the consequences of policy decisions regarding reducing the economic impact of the epidemic. The text mentions the possibility of "new waves of social unrest" emerging in the world, "if social measures are deemed insufficient to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis and its economic effects, or if they are deemed unfair, i.e. more in favor of the rich or multinationals".

Similarly, the Fiscal Monitor report points out that post-coronavirus crisis protests could also occur. The authors of the report cite as examples the crises in Ecuador, Haiti or the Islamic Republic of Iran.

For the IMF, even if the protests in each country are unique, it is clear that social inequalities remain the breeding ground that fertilizes them. The IMF adds that "if the population demonstrates, it is often due to old feelings of injustice fueled by this context of global crisis, and that certain measures can act as the last straw".

The report, while warning, provides avenues for solutions. It invites states, for example, to communicate with the population to avoid rekindling resentment, while advocating "a gradual approach allowing citizens to adapt".