Argentinians who take part in road closures risk losing their social benefits, the administration of President Javier Milei declared on Monday.
In the South American nation, erecting barricades, or “corte de ruta,” has long been the traditional method of protest. Milei has attempted to make the practice illegal in anticipation of criticism of his “shock therapy” approaches to political and economic recovery.
In a video message to the country that Milei’s office released, Minister of Human Capital Sandra Pettovello stated, “Protesting is a right, but so is the ability to move freely through Argentine territory to get to work.”
According to Pettovello, anyone who encourages, starts, plans, or takes part in obstructions may forfeit their welfare payments in addition to losing access to the ministry.
To “cut out the middleman” and make sure that no one is coerced into joining rallies by threats of having their benefits withheld, the government will inspect the organisations that handle welfare assistance. Calling a number will allow anyone to claim to the government that their benefits have been reduced because they were not present at a protest.
Pettovello continued, “The only people who won’t get paid are those who participate in protests and block the streets.” “Those who block won’t receive any money.”
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According to Pettovello, the administration would increase the Food Card allotment by 50% and quadruple the Universal Child Allowance in order to assist the most disadvantaged sections of society. She continued, “The government is working hard to ensure that all citizens can regain their jobs, autonomy, and freedom.”
Self-described “anarcho-capitalist” Milei won election on a programme of drastic political and economic change. He said that Argentina was on the “edge of its deepest crisis in history” in his inaugural speech on December 10 and that the previous administration had left a disastrous legacy of hyperinflation, a trade imbalance, and debt.
Milei stated, “A shock adjustment is the only option available.” “There isn’t any money.”
The president claims that Argentina has a $143% annual rate of inflation, a $43 billion trade imbalance, and a $45 billion debt to the IMF, of which over $10 billion is due in debt payments in April. In an attempt to promote private enterprise, he has suggested significantly reducing regulations, severely decreasing the government, and depreciating the currency.
Milei’s plan to have Argentina use the US dollar as its currency has drawn criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pointed out that this would mean Buenos Aires ceding its sovereignty to Washington.
