Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Greece debt crisis: Germany is cast as the villain of the piece as Twitter users spark online debate with #BoycottGermany

Many have seen the austerity measures, which include pension cuts and sweeping sales tax hikes, as too harsh

James Rush
Thursday 16 July 2015 10:04 EDT
Comments
German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a media conference after a meeting of eurozone heads of state at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, July 13, 2015
German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a media conference after a meeting of eurozone heads of state at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, July 13, 2015 (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

As Germany's parliament prepares to vote on a third bailout for Greece on Friday, the country has found some of its most famous brands caught up in an online debate after Twitter users demanded the country face a "boycott".

Greece has paved the way for the bailout which could potentially save the country from bankruptcy after ministers voted harsh austerity measures through parliament following a night of civil unrest on the streets of Athens.

Many however have seen the austerity measures, which include pension cuts and sweeping sales tax hikes, as too harsh, with people across the world voicing their anger earlier this week at European leaders using the hashtag #ThisIsACoup.

Others meanwhile have focused more closely on the part Germany has played in the crisis, with the country facing a backlash from activists and others for its perceived role in the situation Greece now finds itself in.

The hashtag #BoycottGermany started to be tweeted regularly over the weekend, with its popularity peeking at the beginning of this week, according to analytics site Topsy. At the time of writing more than 32, 000 tweets had featured the hashtag.

Many of the tweets using the hashtag call for famous German products and brands to be boycotted while others highlighted the debt relief Germany received after the Second World War from creditors including Greece.

The hashtag however has sparked debate among Twitter users, with a number of other people suggesting damaging Germany's economy is not the best way to help Greece.

The #ThisIsACoup hashtag also sparked an online debate this week, with arguments to the contrary being posted under the counter hashtag #ThisIsNotACoup.

The Greek government has been left facing serious civil unrest after voting through the austerity measures it hopes will result in a third bailout.

Finance ministers from euro countries were due to hold a conference call today to consider financing a rescue deal for Greece and the European Central Bank is also considering a request from Athens to increase emergency assistance to Greek banks.

The vote in the Greek parliament on Thursday night triggered a revolt in the ruling Syriza party with several of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's prominent ministers voting against his recommendation.

Additional reporting by AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in