Current:Home > NewsArgentina’s president warned of a tough response to protests. He’s about to face the first one-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Argentina’s president warned of a tough response to protests. He’s about to face the first one
View Date:2024-12-23 23:39:34
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Just days after taking office, Argentine President Javier Milei’s government announced drastic economic measures that angered some social and labor groups, and warned it would crack down on any protests blocking streets.
The right-wing populist on Wednesday will face the first test of how his administration responds to demonstrations after those groups called on people to turn out to protest the economic shock measures, which Milei has said are needed to address Argentina’s severe crisis.
The shocks include a 50% devaluation of Argentine peso, cuts to energy and transportation subsidies and the closure of some government ministries. They come amid soaring inflation and rising poverty.
Milei’s security minister, Patricia Bullrich, presented a new “protocol” to maintain public order that allows federal forces to clear people blocking streets without a judicial order and authorizes the police to identify — through video or digital means — people protesting and obstructing public thoroughfares. It can bill them for the cost of mobilizing security forces.
The new protocol is aimed at preventing blockades, especially in Buenos Aires, where regular protests often block street for hours in what are commonly known as “piquetes.”
Some groups are saying the protocol goes too far and criminalizes the right to protest.
On Tuesday, Argentine labor, social and human rights groups signed a petition asking the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to intercede against the new security protocol. In the petition, they say it is “incompatible with the rights to free assembly and association, freedom of expression and social protest” recognized in the country’s constitution.
Argentina’s government went farther this week, and on Monday announced that people who block streets could be removed from the public assistance benefit lists if they are on one.
“To the beneficiaries of social plans: know that no one can force you to go to a march under threat of taking away your plan,” said Sandra Pettovello, head of the newly created Human Capital Ministry, which combines what were the ministries of Labor, Education and Social Development.
“Protesting is a right, but so is the right of people to move freely through Argentine territory to go to their workplace,” she said.
In Argentina, some people receive social support directly from the government, but others get support through social organizations with direct links to federal offices. Milei’s administration says that many of these groups use this as way to force people to go out to protests in exchange for support.
Polo Obrero, which represents the unemployed, is one of the social groups calling for the protests on Wednesday. Its leader, Eduardo Belliboni, said Milei’s government is planning to go “against the right to protest.”
People were called to protest in Buenos Aires, marching from Congress to the historic Plaza de Mayo. The march will coincide with the 22nd anniversary of a protest against the government’s handling of an economic crisis that left dozens dead and led to the resignation of then-President Fernando de la Rúa
A recent poll by the University of Buenos Aires’ Observatory of Applied Social Psychology indicated that 65% of those surveyed agree with banning the blockades.
Milei, a 53-year-old economist who rose to fame on television with profanity-laden tirades against what he called the political caste, became president with the support of Argentines disillusioned with the economic crisis.
Argentina has an annual inflation rate of 161%, and four out of every 10 people are poor. The South American country also faces a $45 billion debt owed to the International Monetary Fund.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Florida State can't afford to fire Mike Norvell -- and can't afford to keep him
- Americans star on an Iraqi basketball team. Its owners include forces that attacked US troops
- Oklahoma State Patrol says it is diverting traffic after a barge hit a bridge
- Stephan Jaeger joins the 2024 Masters field with win in Houston Open
- This is Your Sign To Share this Luxury Gift Guide With Your Partner *Hint* *Hint
- Shooting outside downtown Indianapolis mall wounds 7 youths, police say
- Gunmen in Ecuador kill 9, injure 10 others in attack in coastal city of Guayaquil as violence surges
- Transgender athlete Cat Runner is changing sport of climbing one remarkable step at a time
- Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Shares Glimpse Into Honeymoon One Year After Marrying David Woolley
- First they tried protests of anti-gay bills. Then students put on a play at Louisiana’s Capitol
Ranking
- Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day? Here's what to know
- Salah fires title-chasing Liverpool to 2-1 win against Brighton, top of the standings
- Shooting outside downtown Indianapolis mall wounds 7 youths, police say
- The Best Tools for Every Type of Makeup Girlie: Floor, Vanity, Bathroom & More
- Voters in Oakland oust Mayor Sheng Thao just 2 years into her term
- Everything's Bigger: See the Texas Rangers' World Series rings by Jason of Beverly Hills
- Horoscopes Today, March 30, 2024
- New $20 minimum wage for fast food workers in California set to start Monday
Recommendation
-
See Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's Winning NFL Outing With Kids Zuma and Apollo
-
Demolition crews cutting into first pieces of Baltimore bridge as ship remains in rubble
-
No injuries or hazardous materials spilled after train derailment in Oklahoma
-
Fulton County DA Fani Willis plans to take a lead role in trying Trump case
-
Jury awards Abu Ghraib detainees $42 million, holds contractor responsible
-
Majority of U.S. bridges lack impact protection. After the Key Bridge collapse, will anything change?
-
Crews at Baltimore bridge collapse continue meticulous work of removing twisted steel and concrete
-
New $20 minimum wage for fast food workers in California set to start Monday