A nationwide general strike against government cuts in public spending has seriously interrupted transport.
Domestic flights were cancelled, but trains and metro services were suspended in Buenos Aires and elsewhere.
Most shops stayed shut in the capital but bus drivers reported for duty. Airlines reported that international flights would operate as scheduled with only a handful of delays.
Unions Push Back Against Milei’s Austerity Measures
It is the third overall strike called by Argentina’s influential unions since President Javier Milei came into office late in 2023.
Since then, the president has implemented strict austerity measures to combat hyperinflation. His strategy has been successful so far, with inflation reduced from over 200% to around 60% annually. But the unions claim the worst off in society have suffered, including pensioners and low-income workers.
Widespread Cuts and Civil Servant Layoffs
Milei has cut subsidies on transport, fuel and energy, dismissed tens of thousands of civil servants and shut down government ministries.
Horacio Bianchi, a retired school teacher in Buenos Aires, said the Associated Press news agency that individuals were suffering as they “don’t have enough money to eat”.
“These people [the government] came to solve the problems and they have absolutely worsened them for everyone,” he added.
Impact of Economic Reforms on Vulnerable Groups
The president has since unveiled severe austerity policies to combat hyperinflation. His strategy has been successful thus far, with inflation falling from over 200% to approximately 60% annually. The unions, however, claim that the most vulnerable segment of society has suffered, including pensioners and low-paid workers.
Milei has cut subsidies on transport, fuels and energy, dismissed tens of thousands of civil servants and shut down ministries.
Horacio Bianchi, a retired teacher in Buenos Aires, said the people were suffering as they “don’t have enough money to eat”.
“These people [the government] came to fix the issues and they have totally made them worse for everyone,” he added.
