Argentina: Activists plan protests nationwide Aug. 18

Event

Unionized activists, affiliated with left-wing groups and political parties under the umbrella Frente de Lucha Piquetera organization, plan to hold protests and build roadblocks across Argentina on Aug. 18. The actions are to protest the decrease in social investment from the government.

Demonstrators have said they plan to block most access into the City of Buenos Aires starting at 10:00, including the Pueyrredon Bridge, Autopista del Oeste, and La Noria Bridge, as well as multiple major roads nationwide, such as Route 2 in Mar del Plata, the Buenos Aires-La Plata Highway, and the bridge connecting the cities of Cipolletti and Neuquen. Plans for protests in other locations across the country remain unclear.

Hundreds are likely to participate in most of the demonstrations, which are likely to cause significant transport disruptions, especially those blocking access to Buenos Aires. Heightened security near the protests is likely. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of any security disturbances. Allow additional time and plan for alternative routes if you are operating in Buenos Aires or other major cities of Argentina Aug. 18. Heed instructions from authorities.