Current:Home > MarketsArgentina’s unions take to the streets to protest president’s cutbacks, deregulation and austerity -Visionary Wealth Guides
Argentina’s unions take to the streets to protest president’s cutbacks, deregulation and austerity
SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-06 15:35:05
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Thousands of union members and activists took to the streets of Argentina’s capital Wednesday to protest a decree from President Javier Milei that imposes sweeping deregulation and austerity measures meant to revive the country’s struggling economy.
Unions had asked a court for a prior injunction to block measures lifting some labor protections, but a judge rejected the appeal, noting the decree had not yet entered into effect. It does so on Friday.
Argentine labor activists question whether Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist who has long railed against the country’s “political caste,” can impose the measures by way of an emergency decree bypassing the legislature where his party has few seats.
“We do not question the president’s legitimacy ... but 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,” said Gerardo Martínez, general secretary of Argentina’s construction workers’ union.
The protest went off peacefully, except for a confrontation between a small group of protesters and police. Journalists were caught up in the scuffle as police broke up the group of protesters, and some were beaten by police.
“The country is not for sale!” some protesters chanted, apparently referring to proposals that would allow the privatization of state-run industries.
Since taking office on Dec. 10 following a landslide election victory, Milei has devalued the country’s currency by 50%, cut transport and energy subsidies, said his government won’t renew contracts for more than 5,000 recently hired state employees and proposed repealing or modifying about 300 laws.
He says he wants to transform Argentina’s economy and reduce the size of its state to address rising poverty and annual inflation expected to reach 200% by the end of the year.
The General Labor Confederation read a statement at the march on Wednesday saying Milei’s decree “introduces a ferocious, regressive labor reform whose only purpose is to hamstring union activity, punish workers and benefit business interests.”
Milei’s administration has quickly faced protest. The government had said it will allow demonstrations, but threatened to cut off public aid payments to anyone who blocks thoroughfares. Marchers were also forbidden to carry sticks, cover their faces or bring children to the protest.
Milei, a 53-year-old economist who rose to fame on television with profanity-laden tirades against the political establishment, became president with the support of Argentines disillusioned with the economic crisis.
In a media interview ahead of the protest, he accused those who oppose his reforms of “not being aware of the seriousness of the situation.”
His initiatives have the support of Argentina’s Business Association which called them a “historic opportunity” to fight the “excessive size of the state” and the negative consequences of decades of budget deficits.
veryGood! (52567)
Related
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- A Siege of 80 Large, Uncontained Wildfires Sweeps the Hot, Dry West
- Exxon Accused of Pressuring Witnesses in Climate Fraud Case
- Trump’s Forest Service Planned More Logging in the Yaak Valley, Environmentalists Want Biden To Make it a ‘Climate Refuge’
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Florida bill allowing radioactive roads made of potentially cancer-causing mining waste signed by DeSantis
- Man with weapons and Jan. 6 warrant arrested after running toward Obamas' D.C. home
- Investors Pressure Oil Giants on Ocean Plastics Pollution
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Prince Harry Testimony Bombshells: Princess Diana Hacked, Chelsy Davy Breakup and More
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Michigan Tribe Aims to Block Enbridge Pipeline Spill Settlement
- Two Years Ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Was Praised for Appointing Science and Resilience Officers. Now, Both Posts Are Vacant.
- Rumer Willis Recalls Breaking Her Own Water While Giving Birth to Baby Girl
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Father’s Day Gifts From Miko That Will Make Dad Feel the Opposite of the Way He Does in Traffic
- Harvard, universities across U.S. react to Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling
- Iowa woman wins $2 million Powerball prize years after tornado destroyed her house
Recommendation
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
Go Hands-Free With 70% Off Deals on Coach Belt Bags
Droughts That Start Over the Ocean? They’re Often Worse Than Those That Form Over Land
Hunter Biden attorney accuses House GOP lawmakers of trying to derail plea agreement
Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
Idaho Murder Case: Ethan Chapin's Mom Shares How Family Is Coping After His Death
Even With a 50-50 Split, a Biden Administration Senate Could Make Big Strides on Climate
Why Tom Brady Says It’s Challenging For His Kids to Play Sports