Protests against government measures take place in Argentina, police use tear gas

Clashes between the police and demonstrators took place in Buenos Aires yesterday as social movements protested against social cuts and austerity measures implemented by the Argentine government of Javier Milea. The police responded to the protests with force, and protesters threw stones at the police, injuring two officers and a journalist.

This was reported by UNN with reference to La Nación and DW.

Details

Argentine police used water cannons, batons and tear gas against demonstrators who blocked key roads leading to the capital, Buenos Aires, on Monday.

A number of Argentine trade union groups and left-wing organizations united in a "national picket" in Argentina, a protest aimed at blocking five access points to the city of Buenos Aires, including the Puerredon Bridge.

The protesters demanded better working conditions, an end to layoffs, and an increase in social benefits and wages. They opposed the government's plans to minimize public services and cut subsidies for electricity, gas, water, and local public transportation. In particular, representatives of trade unions and other social movements argued that there was not enough food to feed families in the country's 40,000 soup kitchens.

After 11 a.m., incidents were reported in several districts of Buenos Aires (Puente Saavedra and Puente Puerredon). There were clashes between protesters and police: it is indicated that protesters threw stones at trucks with water hydrants used by the Argentine police. The Argentine police used water cannons, batons and tear gas against the demonstrators.

According to media reports, at least three people were injured in clashes in different parts of the capital. Several journalists, including a photographer from the AFP news agency, were attacked with pepper spray.

Addendum

One hundred days after coming to power with a promise to end the "orgy of public spending," Milei cut the number of ministries in half to nine, cut 50,000 public sector jobs, suspended all new public works contracts, and canceled generous subsidies for fuel and transportation. These cuts allowed the government of Buenos Aires to record a budget surplus for the first time in ten years.

It is noted that the devaluation of the local currency by 54% led to a sharp drop in relative purchasing power, which slowed consumption and economic growth.

Argentine President Javier Milei is determined to continue his program, but his party is facing resistance from rivals in Congress and scrutiny from legal experts who question the constitutionality of some of his measures.

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