2024 Argentina protests

The 2024 Argentina protests are a significant wave of protests and riots in response to controversial reforms introduced by President Javier Milei.

Milei proposes reducing government ministries and addressing economic challenges through spending cuts and fiscal reforms, criticizing previous administrations for excessive spending. Protestors on the other hand are criticizing Milei reforms and government for causing Inflation, poverty and weakening Argentina's democracy.

The reforms include tax breaks for investors and the firing of thousands of employees. the protestors have called these reforms "radical overhaul".

On June 12, 2024, Argentina's Senate passed Milei reforms in a majority of 37 to 36 at. the package includes "measures on privatization and tax breaks for investors". Most of the protests took place at Buenos Aires, Capital and most populous city in Argentina. Riot police tried to disperse the protestors and they have arrested 18 of them. A car belonging to the radio station Cadena 3 was also set on fire.

Background
As inflation rose above 100 percent in May 2023, Milei's position in the polls rose, and in the August 2023 primary elections, which is seen as an indication of how citizens are likely to vote in the October 2023 general election, Milei emerged as the leading candidate.

Milei took office as president on December 10, 2023. In addition to a lack of support in Congress. and was openly talking about his wide-ranging reforms, causing opposition among workers' unions and others.

According to The Washington Post, Milei reform package has a diverse array of measures:


 * 1) state of emergency, grants the president new powers in matters of energy, pensions, security, taxation and other sectors until 2027.
 * 2) privatization of several state companies.
 * 3) lucrative tax breaks and other perks to foreign companies investing $200 million or more.
 * 4) expanding trial periods
 * 5) tax amnesty

The reform package suffered a big amount of criticism from Kirchnerism, non-Kirchnerist Peronism, a small traditional left-wing force, and from the Radical Civic Union.

On March 24, 2024, HRW (Humans RIghts Watch) has warned that a "firearms resolution" planned by Milei administration, will open "door to abuse".

January
The reform package was on the January 24, 2024, A general strike was planned throughout the country of Argentina in response to these changes. US Embassy in Argentina has warned US tourists, telling them to "Avoid areas of demonstrations".

On January 24, 2024, Tens of thousands take to the streets to protest Milei's reforms. the protestors were heading to the CGT, main labor union of the country.

"We come to defend 40 years of democracy, defend the homeland," CGT leader Hector Daer told the crowd. the protest had 40,000 participants.

On January 31, 2024, Police dispersed anti-government protests, injuring 25 journalists and arresting 6.

February
On February 1, 2024, Four women were arrested for peaceful protest in front of Congress Plaza.

On February 3, 2024, Argentine human rights accused Argentine Federal Police for using chemical agents and rubber bullets against 35 journalists and lawyers.

On February 8, 2024, Argentinian Activists launched protest along Pueyrredón Bridge.

On February 23, 2024, Thousands protested across Argentina to "demand food aid for the poor as soaring inflation".

March
On March 18, 2024, Argentina's social movements blocked over 500 roads countrywide. several people suffered light injuries and a violent police crackdown was reported in Mendoza.

On March 19, 2024, Two officers and a journalist were injured in anti-government riots.

April
On April 10, 2024, 11 protestors were arrests and at least half a dozen injured as police crack down on protesters in Buenos Aires.

On April 11, 2024, Argentina police clash with anti-government protesters over government spending cuts, injuring at least 6.

On April 23, 2024, Universities in Argentina defy Milei's spending cuts with massive march. according to reports from social organisations, the protest was dispersed with arrests reported.

On April 26, 2024, Massive protests occurred across Argentina, against higher education budget cuts.

May
On May 7, 2024, 11 were arrested in a protest to demand food aid. the rally took place around midday in front of the presidential residence in Olivos.

On May 9, 2024, Argentina's biggest trade unions announced 24-hour strike, causing 46 million to a standstill as banks, businesses and state agencies closed in protest.

On May 26, 2024, Argentina's police were reportedly dispersing peaceful anti-government protest in Córdoba". several were arrested and injured.

On May 30, 2024, Argentina trains slowed down in a protest.

June
On June 12, 2024, Argentina’s Senate passed Milei reforms. in response, anti-government protestors clashed with Argentinian police forces at Buenos Aires, and other cities across Argentina. security forces fired tear gas and water cannons at rioting demonstrators outside National Congress of Argentina. at least 5 were injured and got treated by medical staff. protesters threw stones and molotov cocktails outside Congress. The Buenos Aires press union reported at least a dozen journalists were hit by rubber bullets. Authorities reported least 20 police officers injured. Security forces later said that they arrested 15 people.

Responses

 * IACHR said: "approximately 285 individuals had been injured as a result of the actions of law enforcement agencies".
 * Human Rights Law Centre said that "physical injuries caused by the excessive and unjustified use of force" at the protests.
 * Javier Milei government officials accused violent demonstrators of seeking to overthrow government in a "modern coup d'état".