Argentina: Workers' organizations to hold nationwide anti-government protests Dec. 19

Event

Leaders of the Workers' Left Front-Unity (Frente de Izquierda y de los Trabajadores-Unidad, FIT-U) and the Workers' Socialist Movement (Movimiento Socialista de los Trabajadores, MST) have called for nationwide protests Dec. 19. The protests are over a range of economic, social, health, and labor-related issues. The main event is planned for Buenos Aires; participants intend to rally at Plaza de Mayo from 1700 and large crowds are likely. Demonstrations elsewhere are confirmed at the following locations:

• Bahia Blanca: Plaza Central from 1200

• Bariloche: Intersection of avenidas Beschtedt and General Antonio Tiscornia from 1800

• Catamarca: Plaza 25 de Mayo from 1700

• Comodoro Rivadavia: Plaza Kompuchewe from 1730

• Cordoba: Intersection of Boulevard Las Heras and Avenida Roque Saenz Pena from 1800

• La Rioja: Carlos Gardel No. 4 (south zone) from 1800

• Mar del Plata: Plaza Espana from 1800

• Mendoza: Plaza Almirante Brown from 1900

• Parana: Plaza Alvear from 1800

• Rio Gallegos: Mariano Moreno 547 from 1730

• Rosario: Plaza San Martin from 1700

• Salta: Plaza 9 de Julio from 1800

• San Juan: Plaza 25 de Mayo from 1800

Demonstrations could occur in other cities and towns nationwide. Participation at events is likely to vary by location with larger rallies likely in major urban centers; dozens to hundreds of people could attend the rallies. Demonstrators could also march through nearby streets. Disruptions are likely near all large gatherings.

Police will probably deploy to monitor any major demonstrations. Significant violence is not likely; however, isolated skirmishes are possible if demonstrators block roads or disobey police orders to disband.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Heed the instructions of the local authorities. Allow extra time to reach destinations near known protest locations Dec. 19.