11 Apr 2018 | 10:15 AM UTC
Argentina: Large protests in Buenos Aires April 11 /update 1
Large, highly disruptive protests expected to take place in Buenos Aires April 11; traffic disruptions
Event
Major protests and associated roadblocks are expected to result in significant traffic disruptions in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, April 11. Taxi drivers are expected to gather in a caravan at the corner of Avenida de Mayo and San José at 11:00 (local time), before driving towards the Congress Building at 11:45. Furthermore, a separate protest by pro-choice demonstrators will also take place in front of the congress, beginning at 09:00. At 12:30, Radio El Mundo employees will gather on Avenida Callao (between Juan D. Perón and Bartolomé Mitre streets). Conicet workers will gather at the intersection of Godoy Cruz and Paraguay, before also marching to the congress around 14:00. Roadblocks are expected in Puerto Madero, among other areas.
Related, smaller demonstrations are likely in other cities across the country.
Context
The day of protest is being spearheaded by the ATE public sector union. Sociopolitical tensions have been on the rise in Argentina since center-right President Mauricio Marci took office in December 2015. Various groups regularly hold protests and strikes to demand increased salaries amid high inflation, denounce mass public sector layoffs, and draw attention to various socioeconomic issues, including high unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.
Advice
Individuals in Argentina, particularly in central Buenos Aires, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and to allow for extra time to reach their destinations.
