Tens of thousands of residents took to the streets of the capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday to protest against new Argentine President Javier Milei‘s decree of sweeping austerity and deregulation measures.
The protesters, led by trade unionists, opposed Decree of Necessity and Urgency 70/2023 announced last week. The president’s backers argue that the plan is necessary to support the nation’s moribund economy. However, critics say the directive undermines workers’ rights while dangerously accelerating economic deregulation.
Protester Gerardo Martínez, general secretary of Argentina’s construction workers’ union, stated:
“We want a president who respects the division of powers, who understands that workers have the need to defend themselves individually and within the framework of justice when there is unconstitutionality.”
Since taking office on December 10 after a convincing election victory, Milei has devalued the country’s currency by 50 per cent and cut transport and energy subsidies. He also stated that his government would not renew the contracts of more than 5,000 newly hired civil servants, proposing to repeal or amend some 300 laws.
The new government announced that police would prosecute anyone organising or participating in protests blocking roads. Argentine lawmaker José Luis Espert claimed that protesters who violated the new policy had the choice of “prison or bullet.”
Milei plans to transform Argentina’s economy and reduce the size of its state to address rising poverty and annual inflation, which is expected to reach 200 per cent by the end of the year.
