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 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 12 June 2024, Argentina's Senate passed Milei reforms in a majority of 37 to 36 at. the package includes "measures on privatisation and tax breaks for investors".[5] Most of the protests took place at Buenos Aires, Capital and most populous city in Argentina. Riot police tried to dispersed the protests and they have arrested 18 of them. A car belonging to the radio station Cadena 3 was also set on fire.[6]
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 10 December 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:
state of emergency, grants the president new powers in matters of energy, pensions, security, taxation and other sectors until 2027.
privatization of several state companies.
lucrative tax breaks and other perks to foreign companies investing $200 million or more.
The reform package was On the 24th of January 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 the 24th of January, 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.[15] the protest had 40,000 participants.[16]
On 31 January 2024, Police dispersed anti-government protests, injuring 25 journalists and arresting 6.[17]
On 1 February 2024, Four women were arrested for peaceful protest in front of Congress Plaza.[18]
On 3 February 2024, Argentine human rights accused Argentine Federal Police for using chemical agents and rubber bullets against 35 journalists and lawyers.[19]
On 8 February 2024, Argentinian Activists launched protest along Pueyrredón Bridge.[20]
On 23 February 2024, Thousands protested across Argentina to "demand food aid for the poor as soaring inflation".[21]
On 18th Marcy 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 19 March 2024, Two officers and a journalist were injured in anti-government riots.[23]
On 10 April 2024, 11 protestors were arrests and at least half a dozen injured as police crack down on protesters in Buenos Aires.[24]
On 11 April 2024, Argentina police clash with anti-government protesters over government spending cuts, injuring at least 6.[25]
On 23 April 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 26 April 2024, Massive protests occurred across Argentina, against higher education budget cuts.[27]
On 7 May 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 9 May 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 26 May 2024, Argentina's police were reportedly dispersing peaceful anti-government protest in Córdoba". several were arrested and injured.[31]
On 30th May 2024, Argentina trains slowed down in a protest.[32]
On 12th June 2024, Argentina’s Senate passed Milei reforms. in response, anti-government protestors clashed with argentinian police forces at Buenos Aires,[6] and other cities accross 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]