Economic Crisis in Laos Leaves Youth Despairing as Prices Skyrocket and Calls for Reform are Silenced
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Laos' economy is in crisis due to massive debt from Chinese-backed infrastructure projects, causing high inflation and unemployment.
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Young people feel hopeless about their future and want to emigrate, seeing no opportunities at home.
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The government has taken on unsustainable levels of debt, much owed to China, compromising Laos' sovereignty.
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Prices are skyrocketing, making it very difficult for ordinary Laotians to afford basic necessities.
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Calls for reform are suppressed; activists risk being attacked or disappeared for speaking out against the government.