Dec 28, 2023 at 6:26 AM Update: an hour ago
Thousands of Argentinians took to the streets in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to protest against a decree by President Javier Milei. They find the economic bills contained in it too far-reaching. Milei wants, among other things, to abolish maximum rental prices.
In total, the new Argentine president’s decree removes or changes more than 350 economic regulations.
In addition to the abolition of maximum rents, the decree also puts an end to a number of employee protections. Milei also wants to scrap laws that protect consumers against unlawful price increases.
The latter could have a major effect on the Argentines. The annual inflation rate in the country is above 160 percent. In addition, 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.
Protesters want the judge to intervene
The demonstrators waved Argentine flags. They also carried banners that read: “The homeland is not for sale.” They want the courts to intervene by declaring the decree unconstitutional.
According to the demonstrators, the decree affects the protection of workers and consumers. A few civil society groups have already filed a request with the court. The unions organized the march in the Argentine capital.
Milei sent the package of bills that should put the decree into effect to parliament earlier on Wednesday. The very libertarian and radical right politician has been in office since December 10.
Who is ‘the crazy’ Milei?
Milei’s most famous nickname is ‘El Loco’ (the madman). It is also popular among his followers. He was given the nickname, according to his biographer, because of his explosive outbursts of anger in high school.
In the 1980s he made his mark as a professional goalkeeper, but left football to go to college. After his studies he worked as an economist.
Milei has few good friends, but is very close to his dogs. These “four-legged children” are, according to Milei, his most important advisors.
Image: AFP
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2023-12-28 05:26:00
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