Buenos Aires, Argentina – A nationwide general strike against public spending cuts paralyzed most of Argentina on Thursday. The strike impacted schools, banks, and many shops, leading to suspended train and metro services with only limited bus operations running across the country.
Union leader Hector Daher declared the 24-hour strike as a message to President Javier Milei, urging him to reconsider some of the cuts to subsidies and social programs. Since taking office in December, Milei, a right-wing economist, has implemented extensive austerity measures aimed at reducing Argentina’s public deficit and tackling the country’s staggering inflation rate, which stands at nearly 300% annually – the highest in the world.
President Milei defended his government’s actions, stating that numerous concessions have already been made to appease the unions. His administration has highlighted successes, including a decrease in inflation in recent months, but critics argue that this achievement has come at the cost of a significant decline in economic activity.
The strike was met with strong opposition from the government, labeling it as “purely political” and accusing it of complicating the lives of many citizens. Conversely, unions condemned Milei’s cuts, warning that the measures were pushing citizens to extreme levels of hardship that may be irreversible.
Despite growing dissent, polls indicated that President Milei retained a level of popularity among Argentinians, with an approval rating hovering around 45-50%. He dismissed claims that ordinary citizens were bearing the brunt of his cuts, attributing the country’s issues primarily to inflation and emphasizing the need for realistic, long-term solutions.
Criticism of Milei’s policies extended beyond the striking unions, with actors like Viggo Mortensen condemning his administration as a “total disaster” for Argentina. The ongoing tension between the government and unions highlighted the deep divide over economic policies and the impact on everyday citizens.
As the strike continued, businesses outside the public sector remained open, facing challenges as decreased foot traffic impacted sales. The conflicting views on the strike underscored the complex economic landscape in Argentina, with no immediate resolution in sight.