28 Sep 2018 | 01:09 AM UTC
Argentina: Protesters to stage sit-in before Congress October 1-5 /update 6
Labor union members plan a sit-in in front of the Congressional Palace in Buenos Aires from October 1 to 5
Event
Protests against economic policies in Argentina continue, as members of the Autonomous CTA (Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina) and a portion of the ATE (Asociación Trabajadores del Estado) plan a sit-in from Monday, October 1, to Friday, October 5, in front of the Congressional Palace in Buenos Aires. The National Congress is set to debate a draft budget submitted by President Mauricio Macri. Roadblocks and transportation disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the protests.
Context
Several labor unions have staged demonstrations and strikes in recent months to protest the country's economic condition and recent policies. President Macri announced on August 29 that Argentina would accept a USD 50 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Labor unions sharply reject the subsequent proposed budget as being dictated by the IMF and overly harsh to the working class. Argentina is experiencing an economic crisis with sharp currency devaluation and inflation.
Advice
Individuals in Buenos Aires are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and avoid all public gatherings as a precaution.
