2024 Argentina protests

Argentinan protests against reforms by Javier Milei

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2024 Argentina Protests
Protestas argentinas de 2024

Date|
January 2024 (2024-01) –
Location|

Mainly Buenos Aires, Argentina

Methods| Protests, demonstrations, civil disobedience, civil resistance, online activism, riots
Casualties
Injuries| 285+
Arrested| 100+

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]

## Background[edit]

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:

1. state of emergency, grants the president new powers in matters of energy, pensions, security, taxation and other sectors until 2027.
2. privatization of several state companies.
3. lucrative tax breaks and other perks to foreign companies investing $200 million or more.
4. expanding trial periods
5. tax amnesty

The reform package suffered a big amount of criticism from Kirchnerism, non-Kirchnerist Peronism, a small traditional left-wing force, and from the Radical Civic Union.[11][12]

On 25h Marcy 2024, HRW (Humans RIghts Watch) has warned that a "firearms resolution" planned by Milei administration, will open "door to abuse".[13]

## Protests[edit]

### January[edit]

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]

### February[edit]

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]

Buenos Aires rally for Justice.24th March 2024

### March[edit]

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]

### April[edit]

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]

### May[edit]

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]

### June[edit]

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]

## Responses[edit]

* IACHR said: "approximately 285 individuals had been injured as a result of the actions of law enforcement agencies".[39][40]
* Human Rights Law Centre said that "physical injuries caused by the excessive and unjustified use of force" at the protests.[41]
* Javier Milei government officials accused violent demonstrators of seeking to overthrow government in a "modern coup d'état".[42]

## References[edit]

1. ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2024-06-13.
2. ^ "Argentina: Tens of thousands march against Javier Milei's cuts". 2024-01-24. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
3. ^ Meredith, Sam (2024-06-13). "Argentina's Senate passes Milei's economic reform bill as protesters clash with riot police". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
4. ^ "Protesters clash with police as President Javier Milei's radical overhaul advances in Argentina's Senate". NBC News. 2024-06-13. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
5. ^ "'Lives at play': Argentina's Senate passes Milei reforms as protests rage". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
6. ^ a b "Buenos Aires sees violent protests over Milei's reforms in Argentina". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
7. ^ Santamaria, Carlos (15 May 2023). "Will Argentina adopt the US dollar?". GZERO Media. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
8. ^ "Argentine far-right outsider Javier Milei posts shock win in primary election". Reuters.
9. ^ "The Odds Are Stacked Against Argentina's Next President". carnegieendowment.org. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
10. ^ "Explainer: What is in Javier Milei's sweeping Argentina reform bill?". Reuters.
11. ^ "UCR: conflictos son por "meros berrinches" de Javier Milei – DW – 20/05/2024". dw.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-06-13.
12. ^ Choroszczucha, Sandra (2024-04-04). "What is the opposition to Milei today in Argentina?". Latinoamérica 21. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
13. ^ "Argentina: Firearms Resolution Opens Door to Abuse | Human Rights Watch". 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
14. ^ "How to Avoid a Collision". Wolfram Demonstrations Project. 2007-10-16. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
15. ^ a b "Argentina: Tens of thousands take to the streets to protest Milei's far-right reforms". Le Monde.fr. 2024-01-24. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
16. ^ Criales, José Pablo (2024-01-24). "General strike in Argentina puts Javier Milei's government to the test". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
17. ^ Iglesia, Facundo (2024-02-01). "Omnibus bill: Argentine police crack down on protesters outside Congress". Buenos Aires Herald. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
18. ^ "Four women arrested for peaceful protest outside Congress released after outcry | Buenos Aires Times". www.batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
19. ^ Iglesia, Facundo (2024-02-03). "Argentine human rights groups file complaint against government in IACHR". Buenos Aires Herald. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
20. ^ "Argentina: Activists launch protest along Pueyrredon Bridge, in Buenos Aires Feb. 8". Argentina: Activists launch protest along Pueyrredon Bridge, in Buenos Aires Feb. 8 | Crisis24. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
21. ^ "Thousands protest as hunger grows amid Argentine austerity". France 24. 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
22. ^ Herald, Buenos Aires (2024-03-18). "Argentina's social movements block over 500 roads countrywide". Buenos Aires Herald. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
23. ^ "In Argentina, police confront demonstrators protesting social cuts". Yahoo News. 2024-03-18. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
24. ^ "Eleven arrests as police crack down on protesters in Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires Times". www.batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
25. ^ "Argentina police clash with anti-government protesters over government spending cuts". www.jurist.org. 2024-04-11. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
26. ^ "Universities defy Milei's spending cuts with massive march | Buenos Aires Times". batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
27. ^ Mora, Sebastian Rodriguez (2024-04-26). "Massive protests across Argentina against higher education budget cuts". Argentina Reports. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
28. ^ "Protesters march on presidential residence to demand food aid | Buenos Aires Times". www.batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
29. ^ "Argentina labor unions' 24-hour strike against President Milei paralyzes daily life". Yahoo Finance. 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
30. ^ "Argentina labour unions' 1-day strike against President Milei paralyzes daily life". CTVNews. 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
31. ^ orinocotribune (2024-05-26). "Argentina's Police Repress Peaceful Anti-Government Protest in Córdoba". Orinoco Tribune - News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
32. ^ "Buenos Aires trains slow to crawl as protesting conductors demand wage hike". Yahoo News. 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
33. ^ "Senate approves reduced version of Milei's Omnibus Law amid protests and heavy repression". Peoples Dispatch.
34. ^ "Chaos outside Congress as anti-omnibus protest turns violent | Buenos Aires Times". www.batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
35. ^ Debre, Isabel (2024-06-12). "Riot police in Argentina disperse protesters with water cannons, tear gas ahead of key Senate vote". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
36. ^ "Photos: Argentina police battle protesters opposed to sweeping reform bill". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
37. ^ "In initial win for Argentine President Milei, senators approve his key bills after violent protests". AP News. 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
38. ^ "Buenos Aires rocked by clashes over President Milei reforms". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
39. ^ "Amid Social Protests in Argentina, the IACHR and Its Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression Highlight Inter-American Standards Concerning Respect for Human Rights, Especially the Right to Peaceful Protest and the Right to Freedom of the Press". Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Retrieved 2024-06-14.
40. ^ Pagola, Florencia (2024-02-20). "Journalists find themselves in the line of fire while reporting on street demonstrations in Argentina". LatAm Journalism Review by the Knight Center. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
41. ^ "Argentina: the scramble for lithium threatens the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Jujuy". Human Rights Law Centre. 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
42. ^ "Gvernment officials slam 'coup' attempt after Congress clashes | Buenos Aires Times". www.batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 2024-06-14.