Meanwhile, Argentina is still dealing with the aftereffects of a paralyzing general strike. Transport across the country has ground to a halt as radicals protest against the government’s austerity measures. The protests come on the heels of weeks of intensifying violence, with sympathetic factions—most prominently, rabid soccer hooligans—bumping heads with law enforcement. Public outrage fuels the months-long protests against President Javier Milei’s measures to eliminate transport, fuel and energy subsidies. Why many are so mad too is the failure to halt the sacking of tens of thousands of public servants and the dismantling of important government departments.
On Monday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to travel to Buenos Aires to express support for the government’s reforms. This visit comes at a key juncture for Argentina. The country is in the midst of negotiating a new $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The U.S. Treasury has lauded President Milei’s efforts, stating he has “brought Argentina back from economic oblivion,” even as inflation remains a significant concern.
Workers are increasingly participating in weekly marches with retirees. Many of these pensioners have already been the victims of enormous cuts to their pension funds. Despite this turmoil, airlines — including Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates — have tweeted reassurance that their international flights remain on schedule (though delayed). All domestic international flights have been canceled. Furthermore, train and metro services across Buenos Aires province and city are canceled.
Horacio Bianchi, a retired educator who continues to teach in Buenos Aires, reflected on the alarming current state of affairs.
“These people [the government] came to solve the problems and they have absolutely worsened them for everyone.” – Horacio Bianchi
Fluctuations have occurred after President Milei’s recent measures to drastically slash inflation. It has decreased from more than 200% to about 60% per year. Yet, citizens are the ones being squeezed as they experience increasing costs of living while essential services are being slashed. Bianchi noticed that too many Americans can no longer afford to pay for their most basic needs. He explained how they are struggling because they just don’t have the money to afford food.
As the general strike continues, it remains uncertain how long the disruptions will last or how the government will respond to mounting public discontent. The ongoing Argentine crisis serves as a case study on walking the fine line between the need for economic overhaul and overall public credibility and wellbeing.
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