The patience of the Argentines is reaching its limits. Five months after far-right economist Javier Milei came to power, the country is experiencing its second day of general strike, a sign of growing anger over an unprecedented austerity program aimed at reducing the deficit tax. Since December, more than 15,000 civil servants have been laid off, inflation has soared to 300% and the poverty rate now exceeds 50%.
A “brutal adjustment” according to the unions
On the government side, these measures are presented as essential to reduce the tax burden on taxpayers. “Staff who are not needed will therefore not continue to receive their salaries”, explains Manuel Adorni, spokesperson for the latter. But for the unions, this justification does not hold up. They denounce a “ brutal adjustment » and defend labor rights and decent wages.
This Thursday, and for 24 hours, no trains, buses or metro will run in the capital, Buenos Aires. Peronist unions, along with other worker groups, have called for a massive demonstration to protest the growing casualization of employment. The paralysis is such that 400 flights have been canceled, affecting 70,000 passengers.
Relative popularity
Despite the discontent, Milei appears to retain relative popularity, with polls crediting him with a 45-50% positive image. However, this massive strike could mark a turning point. The mobilization sends a strong message to the government: Argentine society refuses to passively undergo these radical reforms.
