2024 Argentina protests explained

2024 Argentina ProtestsProtestas argentinas de 2024
Place:Mainly Buenos Aires, Argentina
Methods:Protests, demonstrations, civil disobedience, civil resistance, online activism, riots

The 2024 Argentina protests are a significant wave of protests and riots in response to controversial reforms introduced by President Javier Milei.

Milei proposes reducing government ministries and addressing economic challenges through spending cuts and fiscal reforms, criticizing previous administrations for excessive spending.[1] Protestors on the other hand are criticizing Milei reforms and government for causing Inflation, poverty[2] and weakening Argentina's democracy.[3]

The reforms include tax breaks for investors and the firing of thousands of employees. the protestors have called these reforms "radical overhaul".[4]

On June 12, 2024, Argentina's Senate passed Milei reforms in a majority of 37 to 36. The package includes "measures on privatization and tax breaks for investors".[5] Most of the protests took place in Buenos Aires, the capital and most populous city in Argentina. Riot police tried to disperse the protestors and they have arrested 18 of them. A car belonging to the radio station Cadena 3 was also set on fire.[6]

Background

As inflation rose above 100 percent in May 2023,[7] Milei's position in the polls rose, and in the August 2023 primary elections, which is seen as an indication of how citizens are likely to vote in the October 2023 general election, Milei emerged as the leading candidate.[8]

Milei took office as president on December 10, 2023. In addition to a lack of support in Congress.[9] and was openly talking about his wide-ranging reforms, causing opposition among workers' unions and others.[10]

According to The Washington Post, Milei reform package has a diverse array of measures:

  1. state of emergency, grants the president new powers in matters of energy, pensions, security, taxation and other sectors until 2027.
  2. privatization of several state companies.
  3. lucrative tax breaks and other perks to foreign companies investing $200 million or more.
  4. expanding trial periods
  5. tax amnesty

The reform package suffered a big amount of criticism from Kirchnerism, non-Kirchnerist Peronism, a small traditional left-wing force, and from the Radical Civic Union.[11] [12]

On March 24, 2024, HRW (Humans RIghts Watch) has warned that a "firearms resolution" planned by Milei administration, will open "door to abuse".[13]

Protests

January

The reform package was on the January 24, 2024, A general strike was planned throughout the country of Argentina in response to these changes. US Embassy in Argentina has warned US tourists, telling them to "Avoid areas of demonstrations".[14]

On January 24, 2024, Tens of thousands take to the streets to protest Milei's reforms.[15] the protestors were heading to the CGT, main labor union of the country.

"We come to defend 40 years of democracy, defend the homeland," CGT leader Hector Daer told the crowd. the protest had 40,000 participants.[16]

On January 31, 2024, Police dispersed anti-government protests, injuring 25 journalists and arresting 6.[17]

February

On February 1, 2024, Four women were arrested for peaceful protest in front of Congress Plaza.[18]

On February 3, 2024, Argentine human rights accused Argentine Federal Police for using chemical agents and rubber bullets against 35 journalists and lawyers.[19]

On February 8, 2024, Argentinian Activists launched protest along Pueyrredón Bridge.[20]

On February 23, 2024, Thousands protested across Argentina to "demand food aid for the poor as soaring inflation".[21]

March

On March 18, 2024, Argentina's social movements blocked over 500 roads countrywide. several people suffered light injuries and a violent police crackdown was reported in Mendoza.[22]

On March 19, 2024, Two officers and a journalist were injured in anti-government riots.[23]

April

On April 10, 2024, 11 protestors were arrests and at least half a dozen injured as police crack down on protesters in Buenos Aires.[24]

On April 11, 2024, Argentina police clash with anti-government protesters over government spending cuts, injuring at least 6.[25]

On April 23, 2024, Universities in Argentina defy Milei's spending cuts with massive march. according to reports from social organisations, the protest was dispersed with arrests reported.[26]

On April 26, 2024, Massive protests occurred across Argentina, against higher education budget cuts.[27]

May

On May 7, 2024, 11 were arrested in a protest to demand food aid. the rally took place around midday in front of the presidential residence in Olivos.[28]

On May 9, 2024, Argentina's biggest trade unions announced 24-hour strike,[29] causing 46 million to a standstill as banks, businesses and state agencies closed in protest.[30]

On May 26, 2024, Argentina's police were reportedly dispersing peaceful anti-government protest in Córdoba". several were arrested and injured.[31]

On May 30, 2024, Argentina trains slowed down in a protest.[32]

June

On June 12, 2024, Argentina’s Senate passed Milei reforms. in response, anti-government protestors clashed with Argentinian police forces at Buenos Aires, and other cities across Argentina.[33] security forces fired tear gas and water cannons at rioting demonstrators outside National Congress of Argentina. at least 5 were injured and got treated by medical staff.[34] protesters threw stones and molotov cocktails outside Congress.[35] The Buenos Aires press union reported at least a dozen journalists were hit by rubber bullets.[36] Authorities reported least 20 police officers injured.[37] Security forces later said that they arrested 15 people.[38]

Responses

Notes and References

  1. Web site: x.com . 2024-06-13 . X (formerly Twitter).
  2. News: 2024-01-24 . Argentina: Tens of thousands march against Javier Milei's cuts . 2024-06-13 . en-GB.
  3. Web site: Meredith . Sam . 2024-06-13 . Argentina's Senate passes Milei's economic reform bill as protesters clash with riot police . 2024-06-13 . CNBC . en.
  4. Web site: 2024-06-13 . Protesters clash with police as President Javier Milei's radical overhaul advances in Argentina's Senate . 2024-06-13 . NBC News . en.
  5. Web site: 'Lives at play': Argentina's Senate passes Milei reforms as protests rage . 2024-06-13 . Al Jazeera . en.
  6. Web site: Buenos Aires sees violent protests over Milei's reforms in Argentina . 2024-06-13 . Al Jazeera . en.
  7. Web site: Santamaria . Carlos . 15 May 2023 . Will Argentina adopt the US dollar? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518023359/https://www.gzeromedia.com/will-argentina-adopt-the-us-dollar . 18 May 2023 . 20 August 2023 . GZERO Media.
  8. Web site: Argentine far-right outsider Javier Milei posts shock win in primary election . Reuters.
  9. Web site: The Odds Are Stacked Against Argentina's Next President . 2024-06-13 . carnegieendowment.org . en.
  10. Web site: Explainer: What is in Javier Milei's sweeping Argentina reform bill? . Reuters.
  11. Web site: UCR: conflictos son por "meros berrinches" de Javier Milei – DW – 20/05/2024 . 2024-06-13 . dw.com . es.
  12. Web site: Choroszczucha . Sandra . 2024-04-04 . What is the opposition to Milei today in Argentina? . 2024-06-13 . Latinoamérica 21 . en-US.
  13. Web site: 2024-03-25 . Argentina: Firearms Resolution Opens Door to Abuse Human Rights Watch . 2024-06-14 . en.
  14. Web site: 2007-10-16 . How to Avoid a Collision . 2024-06-13 . Wolfram Demonstrations Project. 10.3840/07002283 . 2024-07-09 .
  15. News: 2024-01-24 . Argentina: Tens of thousands take to the streets to protest Milei's far-right reforms . 2024-06-13 . Le Monde.fr . en.
  16. Web site: Criales . José Pablo . 2024-01-24 . General strike in Argentina puts Javier Milei's government to the test . 2024-06-14 . EL PAÍS English . en-us.
  17. Web site: Iglesia . Facundo . 2024-02-01 . Omnibus bill: Argentine police crack down on protesters outside Congress . 2024-06-14 . Buenos Aires Herald . en-US.
  18. Web site: Four women arrested for peaceful protest outside Congress released after outcry Buenos Aires Times . 2024-06-14 . www.batimes.com.ar.
  19. Web site: Iglesia . Facundo . 2024-02-03 . Argentine human rights groups file complaint against government in IACHR . 2024-06-14 . Buenos Aires Herald . en-US.
  20. Web site: Argentina: Activists launch protest along Pueyrredon Bridge, in Buenos Aires Feb. 8 . 2024-06-14 . Argentina: Activists launch protest along Pueyrredon Bridge, in Buenos Aires Feb. 8 Crisis24 . en.
  21. Web site: 2024-02-23 . Thousands protest as hunger grows amid Argentine austerity . 2024-06-14 . France 24 . en.
  22. Web site: Herald . Buenos Aires . 2024-03-18 . Argentina's social movements block over 500 roads countrywide . 2024-06-14 . Buenos Aires Herald . en-US.
  23. Web site: 2024-03-18 . In Argentina, police confront demonstrators protesting social cuts . 2024-06-14 . Yahoo News . en-US.
  24. Web site: Eleven arrests as police crack down on protesters in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Times . 2024-06-14 . www.batimes.com.ar.
  25. Web site: 2024-04-11 . Argentina police clash with anti-government protesters over government spending cuts . 2024-06-14 . www.jurist.org . en-US.
  26. Web site: Universities defy Milei's spending cuts with massive march Buenos Aires Times . 2024-06-14 . batimes.com.ar.
  27. Web site: Mora . Sebastian Rodriguez . 2024-04-26 . Massive protests across Argentina against higher education budget cuts . 2024-06-14 . Argentina Reports . en.
  28. Web site: Protesters march on presidential residence to demand food aid Buenos Aires Times . 2024-06-14 . www.batimes.com.ar.
  29. Web site: 2024-05-09 . Argentina labor unions' 24-hour strike against President Milei paralyzes daily life . 2024-06-14 . Yahoo Finance . en-US.
  30. Web site: 2024-05-09 . Argentina labour unions' 1-day strike against President Milei paralyzes daily life . 2024-06-14 . CTVNews . en.
  31. Web site: orinocotribune . 2024-05-26 . Argentina's Police Repress Peaceful Anti-Government Protest in Córdoba . 2024-06-14 . Orinoco Tribune - News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond . en-US.
  32. Web site: 2024-05-30 . Buenos Aires trains slow to crawl as protesting conductors demand wage hike . 2024-06-14 . Yahoo News . en-CA.
  33. Web site: Senate approves reduced version of Milei's Omnibus Law amid protests and heavy repression . Peoples Dispatch.
  34. Web site: Chaos outside Congress as anti-omnibus protest turns violent Buenos Aires Times . 2024-06-14 . www.batimes.com.ar.
  35. Web site: Debre . Isabel . 2024-06-12 . Riot police in Argentina disperse protesters with water cannons, tear gas ahead of key Senate vote . 2024-06-14 . Los Angeles Times . en-US.
  36. Web site: Photos: Argentina police battle protesters opposed to sweeping reform bill . 2024-06-14 . Al Jazeera . en.
  37. Web site: 2024-06-12 . In initial win for Argentine President Milei, senators approve his key bills after violent protests . 2024-06-14 . AP News . en.
  38. Web site: Buenos Aires rocked by clashes over President Milei reforms . 2024-06-14 . www.bbc.com . en-GB.
  39. Web site: Amid Social Protests in Argentina, the IACHR and Its Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression Highlight Inter-American Standards Concerning Respect for Human Rights, Especially the Right to Peaceful Protest and the Right to Freedom of the Press . 2024-06-14 . Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) . en.
  40. Web site: Pagola . Florencia . 2024-02-20 . Journalists find themselves in the line of fire while reporting on street demonstrations in Argentina . 2024-06-14 . LatAm Journalism Review by the Knight Center . en.
  41. Web site: 2024-04-19 . Argentina: the scramble for lithium threatens the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Jujuy . 2024-06-14 . Human Rights Law Centre . en-AU.
  42. Web site: Gvernment officials slam 'coup' attempt after Congress clashes Buenos Aires Times . 2024-06-14 . www.batimes.com.ar.

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