Trending in Crisis
Management

Politicians and Neighbourhood Leaders Taking The Brunt of Angry Locals

February 1, 2021

Pandemic Fatigue Has Stirred Resentment Against Community Leaders

The battle against COVID-19 has continued across the globe, straining the patience of entire communities as they head into the pandemic’s vaccination stage. The fight against the virus has become localized, with individual regions facing lockdowns and restrictions based on rising case numbers and statistics. These restrictions have put many communities, both big and small, under continued pressure, straining people’s patience and slowly brewing feelings of frustrations against such measures.

With so many people forced to stay home, pandemic fatigue has communities giving up on measures, lashing out and taking their frustrations online and in the form of political protest. As time goes on, the temptations to flout public health restrictions will become increasingly high, leaving many leaders to make decisions that could spark anger from locals.

Local leaders of all kinds can expect to see the worst side of their community in the months ahead.

Pandemic Fatigue is Proving to be the Spark for Political Unrest

As politicians, public health officials, and medical professionals work to predict worst-case scenarios of the virus, the numbers have been skewed by unpredictable pandemic fatigue.

Since March, communities have experienced restrictive measures, and now in the winter months, many people have become just plain sick and tired and are lashing out in more ways than one.

Predictably, social media use has skyrocketed, acting as a way to keep people connected while giving a voice to those who have had enough of mask by-laws and gathering limitations. Angry mobs of people have lashed out against local leaders on social media, threatening others, spreading misinformation, and organizing political protests.

Flash Political Protests Have Become a Great Cause for Concern

The battle against the virus has proven to be increasingly local, with lockdowns and restrictions being targeted against hotspots in large cities and small communities. The nature of social media has allowed those with common interests to connect on a local level and organize a political protest that can happen within hours. Information can spread quickly on social media, and anti-mask or anti-lockdown protests can reorganize quickly, evade police, and find creative ways to get the attention of local leaders and public health officials.

Small communities have been especially vulnerable to flash protests that have targeted the homes, vehicles, and offices of key voices who have been implementing measures to fight the virus. Online harassment has also turned particularly ugly with threats and growing feelings of resentment against leaders and professionals who have implemented lockdown orders.

Potential Political Violence Emerges Across Both Cities and Small Towns

Local protests have emerged across many small communities, with some demonstrations turning violent. Frustrations have continued to boil over, and anti-lockdown sentiments continue to spread like wildfire online. Community leaders have had to scramble to address security, close protection, property damage, and threats of harm against themselves, their coworkers, and family members.

Those who have been caught off guard by these protests are forced to rethink security measures to ensure their staff and family members are protected.

Protect Both People and Property with AFIMAC Solutions

Those looking to protect both business and property should look to lean on AFIMAC. Physical security guards, access control systems, and protective drivers are just some of the many tools that AFIMAC offers government officials, local leaders, and businesses to protect their staff and public property during a protest.

AFIMAC provides social listening and investigative tools that can predict the rise of a political protest and help you respond accordingly. By offering full-service solutions to political unrest and spirited protests, AFIMAC can ensure that your assets remain protected during these kinds of demonstrations.