Thousands of Argentines protest government economic policies
Thousands of Argentines protest government economic policies
Updated 5:31 pm, Friday, June 1, 2018
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Tens of thousands of Argentines protested Friday against the government's economic policies and its unpopular decision to seek help from the International Monetary Fund.
The "Federal March" began four days ago in various regions of the country and culminated in front of the presidential palace in a demonstration of growing social discontent. Demonstrators demanded laws that guarantee food, land and infrastructure projects for the poor and urged union leaders to call a nationwide strike to pressure the government.
Argentines continue to lose purchasing power as consumer prices rise an estimated 25 percent a year, one of the world's highest inflation rates. They have staged protests against a series of government belt-tightening measures, including the elimination of subsidies for utility rates that has forced them to pay higher monthly bills.
"They're putting at risk the social peace of Argentina with this wild tightening that they're ordering," said Daniel Menéndez, a national coordinator for one of the social organizations that participated in the protest. "We have to put a break on these economic policies," he said.
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https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Thousands-of-Argentines-protest-government-12961306.php