A nationwide general strike protesting the government's public spending cuts has brought Argentina to a standstill, severely disrupting land and air transportation. This marks the third nationwide strike led by powerful labor unions since President Javier Milei took office in late 2023.
Across the country, including the capital Buenos Aires, train and subway services have been completely suspended, and all domestic flights have been canceled. The state-owned airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas, reported the cancellation of 258 flights, impacting approximately 20,000 passengers. However, international flights are expected to operate as scheduled, with some delays possible. While many shops in the capital remained closed, bus drivers did not join the strike.
Since assuming office, President Milei has implemented a stringent austerity policy to combat hyperinflation. His policies have so far succeeded in reducing the annual inflation rate from over 200% to around 60%. However, labor unions argue that vulnerable groups, such as pensioners and low-wage workers, are bearing the brunt of these measures.
The Milei administration has significantly cut subsidies for transportation, fuel, and energy, laid off tens of thousands of public sector employees, and closed some government ministries.
"People are suffering because they don't even have enough money to eat," Horacio Bianchi, a retired teacher living in Buenos Aires, told the Associated Press, strongly criticizing the government's policies. "They (the government) came to solve the problems, but they have completely worsened everyone's situation," he added.
The general strike follows a peaceful demonstration last Wednesday where workers joined pensioners in their weekly protest against pension cuts. In recent weeks, these protests have turned violent due to clashes between police and supportive groups, including football fans.
This nationwide strike comes as the Argentine government awaits a decision from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding a new $20 billion loan. Argentina already owes the IMF $44 billion.
The U.S. Treasury Department has voiced its support for President Milei's reform policies, stating that he has "rescued Argentina from economic oblivion." U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Finance Brent Neiman is scheduled to visit Buenos Aires next Monday to express support for the reforms.
This nationwide general strike underscores widespread public discontent with the Milei government's aggressive austerity measures, suggesting a potential escalation of conflict between the government and labor unions. Argentina's economic crisis and the resulting social unrest are expected to persist for the foreseeable future.
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