Argentina: Social activists planning nationwide day of demonstrations, blockades March 18 to highlight cost of living, economic difficulties

Social activists affiliated with the Piqueteros group are planning a nationwide day of demonstrations and blockades March 18 to draw attention to the high cost of living and economic hardship of Argentines. The group has planned more than 500 demonstrations in all regions of the country; Buenos Aires will be particularly affected, with plans to blockade the Pueyrredon Bridge and other access points to the city. Demonstrations are scheduled to start at 10:00, although disruptions will likely begin earlier in the morning.

Large crowds of up to thousands of people are likely in Buenos Aires; demonstrators are likely to gather near government buildings. Heightened security is almost certain in major cities, as are localized transit and business disruptions. Clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as acts of vandalism, are possible.