The government of Argentine president Javier Maili has announced tough economic measures that have angered some social and labor groups, warning that it will “suppress any protests blocking the streets”.
Miley, a right-wing populist, will face on Wednesday the first test of how his administration will respond to the demonstrations after social and labor groups called on citizens to come out to protest against the economic shock measures, which Miley said were necessary to address Argentina’s acute crisis.
The economic measures include a 50% devaluation of the Argentine peso, cuts in energy and transport subsidies, and the closure of some government ministries, and they come amid high inflation and increasing poverty.
Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich presented, according to The Associated Press news agency, on Wednesday, a new protocol to maintain public order, allowing federal troops to evacuate people who block the streets without a warrant, and authorizing the police to identify-through video or digital means – people protesting and blocking public roads.
The new protocol aims to prevent blockades, especially in Buenos Aires, where regular protests often block the streets for several hours.
Some groups say the protocol goes too far and criminalizes the right to protest.
