Argentina protests Milei's austerity plans

Tens of thousands of Argentines protested President Javier Milei's government and its sweeping economic policies in a nationwide "March of Anger." Organized by a broad coalition, demonstrations targeted stringent austerity measures and deep spending cuts. The main protest marched through central Buenos Aires, with similar mobilizations in over 30 cities. Since December 2023, President Milei implemented "shock therapy" to address Argentina's severe economic crisis, marked by chronic inflation and a fiscal deficit. Policies included a substantial peso devaluation and drastic government spending reductions. Measures involved freezing pensions, public sector salaries, halting public works, and cutting essential service subsidies. While the government asserts reforms are crucial for stability and curb inflation and the deficit, they have also ignited widespread social discontent. Opponents argue policies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to increased poverty, job losses, and declining purchasing power. Poverty rates are reportedly peaking over 50 percent amid rising unemployment and strained household budgets. The protests underscore deep divisions within Argentine society regarding the country's economic future. Demonstrators called for a general strike and reversal of reforms. The government maintains its policies are necessary to restore long-term economic health and combat decades of excessive public spending. This latest wave follows other protests, including marches against university funding cuts. The ongoing unrest highlights the significant social cost associated with the government's ambitious economic overhaul.