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22 Aug 2017 | 09:33 AM UTC

Argentina: Labor protests in central Buenos Aires August 22 /update 1

Trade unions to hold protests in Buenos Aires August 22; major traffic disruptions anticipated in downtown area

Warning
security
transportation
ARG

Event

Unions belonging to the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), Argentina's largest union federation, are organizing various protests in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, August 22. The largest demonstration will take place at the Plaza de Mayo beginning at 15:00 (local time). Other demonstrations, which will force the closure of major roads, are set to occur:

  • on the corner of Corrientes and 9 de Julio avenues beginning at 11:00;
  • on the corner of Rivadavia and Callao beginning at 13:00;
  • on the corner of Alsina and San José beginning at 13:00;
  • on the corner of Rivadavia and Pueyrredón beginning at 14:00;
  • on the corner of Belgrano and J.A. Rocca beginning at 14:00;
  • on the corner of Sarmiento and Reconquista beginning at 14:00.

A map with the planned roadblocks is available in this article.

As such, major traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the downtown area. The protests will likely remain non-violent, although low-intensity outbreaks are possible.

Further demonstrations are possible in other cities, such as Rosario.

Context

The CGT is protesting the economic policies of President Mauricio Macri’s government. Specifically, union representatives expressed discontent with rising prices of medicine and other basic goods and the opening of Argentine markets to foreign products.

Argentina held primary elections on August 13 to determine candidates for the country's October 2017 midterm elections. The result in Buenos Aires province was a virtual tie between the candidate of Macri's party (Let's Change; Cambiemos) and ex-President Cristina Fernández Kirchner of the Citizen Unity (Unidad Ciudadana) party. The tie has been seen as a significant victory for Macri and his coalition, strengthening the president's position in legislative negotiations going forward; Kirchner was widely expected to beat the ruling coalition candidate, former Education Minister Esteban Bullrich.

Advice

Individuals in Buenos Aires are advised to avoid the protests as a precaution and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.

Analysis