The World - News from Feb. 1, 1988

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Poles demonstrated in the northern city of Gdansk against government-imposed price increases due to go into effect today, telling officials a “hungry nation will devour the authorities.” In Warsaw, police scuffled with protesters. The outlawed Solidarity union demanded that the increases be withdrawn, saying the government’s action will increase social tension and lower living standards. The government has announced a three-stage series of price boosts, averaging 40% on food, 60% for gasoline and 50% for public transportation and housing.