Thousands rally against rising hunger in Argentina amid austerity measures
Protests erupted throughout Argentina for food assistance for the underprivileged, in response to the adverse effects of skyrocketing inflation and the implementation of President Javier Milei’s stringent austerity measures.
Angry demonstrators took to the streets across the country and condemned the strict economic conditions created by Milei and his administration, voicing support for the economically backward.
Since the quinquagenarian former economist took office in December, Milei has slashed public spending, and has won the approval of the International Monetary Fund.
Nevertheless, the South American country is going through turbulent times with a mounted financial crisis underway, as the annual inflation is touching 254 percent, the highest in the world by some measures.
“In a little more than two months, this government has generated a very critical situation of poverty,” Alejandro Gramajo of the UTEP union told AFP.
The cost of transport has risen to unimaginable numbers, with bus ticket prices having increased by over three times.
The government has also halted vital assistance to soup kitchens that are catering to an increasing number of individuals in need.
“No to the increase in transport costs,” protesters chanted, along with cries of “Hunger doesn’t wait” and “Pots are empty, pockets are too.”
Argentina’s 38,000 meal centers, which cater to the underprivileged by offering warm meals, were supplied with their final shipment of government-provided provisions in November, just before Milei, 53, assumed office.
On Thursday, employees grouped by the FATSA Federation of Argentine Healthcare Workers’ Associations, headed by Héctor Daer, also protested with a 24-hour strike.
“Given the intransigence of business chambers, the Healthcare Board in its entirety resolves to have a 24-hour National Strike on Thursday 02/22. We will move forward with any necessary union action to reinstate our comrades’ wages,” the union leader stated on it social media account.
From transportation and education professionals to healthcare workers and public servants, all these groups have announced their intention to stage nationwide strikes on a specific date.
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