in Argentina, the first demonstrations against the policies of Javier Milei supervised by a large police force

According to the new law enforcement protocol, Argentines can no longer demonstrate in the streets but must do so on the sidewalks, so as not to cut off traffic, under penalty of sanctions.

A first half-hearted demonstration in Argentina. Left-wing organizations organized a first rally in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, December 20, less than a week after Javier Milei’s announcement of his first emergency economic measures. Devaluation of more than 50% of the currency – the peso went from 360 to 800 per dollar -, halving of ministries, elimination of energy and transport subsidies… Ten measures to avoid a deeper crisis, justifies the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo : “Our mission is to avoid hyperinflation. The origin of our problems has always been fiscal.”

Except that the significant devaluation of the peso caused an initial boom in prices. “The purchasing power of Argentines is already very low, but this government will end up destroying itis indignant José, from the tire professionals’ union. The government is asking the people to make an effort but we will not allow people to starve while waiting for things to improve.”

“A lot of people were afraid to come”

In a tense climate, 25 000 people marched in the center of the Argentine capital, first on the sidewalk, then throughout the street. A not so trivial gesture because a new law enforcement protocol was decided by the Minister of Security, who wanted to be very firm. From now on in Argentina, demonstrators can no longer demonstrate on the road but on the sidewalk, so as not to cut off traffic, otherwise they will be punished.

“The workers are going to take to the streets anyway”, José replies. The police tried to resist on Wednesday, but ultimately let the crowd pass, given the number of demonstrators.

Arriving at the Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the police, the demonstrators tried to remain calm despite this intimidating presence. “Many people wanted to demonstrate today but they were afraid to come. Buses were even checkedindignant Alba, retired. They brought down people who had flags or t-shirts from social organizations. This is returning to a state of siege !”

“It’s ridiculous because this year we are celebrating 40 years of democracy and the government is releasing a protocol worthy of dictatorship.”

Alba, retired

at franceinfo

Of the 50 000 people planned, only half came to demonstrate, for fear of losing their benefits or for fear of repression. Milei’s deterrence operation therefore seems to have worked. The government also said it was very satisfied with this day, celebrating its management in the face of what it mockingly described as “mini-demonstration”.