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We’ve all seen the protests against austerity measures that are happening all over Europe. The French seem to be particularly passionate about protesting against the Government and big banks who they see as having caused the financial crisis. The country known for it’s bloody and violent revolution at the end of the 18th century now looks set to try and start another, with a run on the banks.
The idea seems to have spawned from a recent interview in which former Manchester United star, Eric Cantona, recommended a run on the cash reserves of the world’s banks. (watch the interview at the bottom of the page).
We don’t pick up weapons to kill people to start the revolution. The revolution is really easy to do these days. What’s the system? The system is built on the power of the banks. So it must be destroyed through the banks. This means that the three million people with their placards on the streets, they go to the bank and they withdraw their money and the banks collapse. Three million, 10 million people, and the banks collapse and there is no real threat. A real revolution. ~ Eric Cantona
Cantona’s call to action has inspired a new political movement, first in France and now spreading virally around the world. The French-based movement – StopBanque – has taken up the campaign for a massive coordinated withdrawal of money from banks on 7 December 2010. Their facebook page indicates that already people in 24 countries are supporting the movement.
Are you prepared?
If this movement continues to build momentum and spreads to all the continents of the world where people are upset with bank bailouts and indebted governments, this bank run may be enough for the governments to declare a ‘bank holiday‘. Remember, banks only have a very small fraction of cash on hand and if enough people withdraw their money on 7 Dec 2010, it will not be long until the banks are forced to close their doors to avoid further withdrawals.
If this movement gets REALLY big, it could well bring down the banking system when banks find their balance sheets out of kilter as their deposits disappear. I think this is unlikely. Governments would step in before it got that bad, but the likely result would be an extended bank holiday until the threat subsides.
Of course, all of this might result in nothing at all. My point is: if the banks close their doors for a day or more, if your ATM and credit cards stop working, will you have enough cash on hand to go about your business? Would it be worth getting some out in advance….just in case?
The Big Picture 
Vive la revolution…..! The trick of course is to take your money out on the SIXTH of December, before the actual run
If you live in Australia, take all your money out….. and put it in a Credit Union!
Mike
You are absolutely right Mike. I’d be going earlier, rather than later. In fact, because I’m in America and it’s already tomorrow in Australia, I’ll be hitting the bank on the 3rd.
I’m leaving the US later that week and don’t want to risk not getting all my money before I go. Also, I’ll be heading straight to Europe and plan to have enough cash to get by for at least a little while.
Hey, love the new look!
Thanks dixiebelle. I felt like I needed a change. Everything I felt like writing about just didn’t seem to fit ‘the old blog’. So instead of starting a new one, I just changed up the title and the look to reflect where I think I’ll be going on this here blog in the months to come.
Yes actually, I have to concur…
I often find myself shaking my head at the French but then again I’m English and I think it’s part of my genetic coding.
I am however glad my money is in a Building Society. We also withdraw all the money we need for the month which will see us through if anyone actually does what this guy asks.
I’ve noticed that about the English and French. I guess such a long history of disdain for each other isn’t easily erased. Sort of like Aussies and Kiwi’s over football….or maybe not.
I concur re: the new look. Very edgy!
I don’t tend to let cash stagnate in the bank anyway… much more useful things to do with it. But, I will be watching closely to see if anything hits the headlines over the next week.