Workers went on strike in Argentina on Thursday in protest at the harsh austerity programme implemented by President Javier Milei’s ultra-liberal government.
Trains and taxis did not run, planes remained on the ground and port terminals were at a standstill. Banks, the postal service and garbage collection were also affected by the action.
It was the third general strike in Argentina since Milei took office in December 2023.
The libertarian head of state has implemented a radical reform programme to overhaul the highly indebted South American country’s economic order.
He has dismissed thousands of public servants, cut subsidies and ended the financing of public spending by printing money. This has enabled him to significantly reduce inflation and present a balanced budget.
However, the purchasing power of many Argentinians has also fallen. “People are unhappy because the money no longer lasts until the end of the month,” said Andrés Rodríguez of the trade union federation CGT on Radio Rivadavia.
Pensioners have been particularly hard hit, as their benefits are barely adjusted for inflation. Around 70% of pensioners receive only the minimum pension, which is the equivalent of about $320 per month. Average monthly living costs amount to around $1,100.
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