Argentina: Protesters clash with police in Buenos Aires October 24

Event

Police clashed with protesters and used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to control large crowds in central Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 24. Thousands of activists, led by political opposition parties and labor unions, staged rallies outside the Congress building in Buenos Aires on Wednesday while the national teachers' union also staged a rally at the Ministry of Education. The protests were reportedly organized to denounce proposed austerity measures targeting public sector expenditures in 2019. A heightened security presence and lingering transportation disruptions are to be expected near the Congress building over the coming hours.

Context

Sociopolitical tensions are high in Argentina and protests are regularly organized to denounce policies and reforms implemented by the conservative government of President Mauricio Macri. Protesters called on the government to reject conditions associated with loans extended by the IMF and austerity measures proposed by Macri, which aim to boost the country's economy. The 2019 public budget will reportedly aim to cut spending by as much as 39 percent, including deep cuts for the ministries of culture, education, and health.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.