Displaying items by tag: austerity measures

Hundreds of thousands have rallied in Buenos Aires and other cities, protesting against president Javier Milei's austerity measures. The demonstrations united students, professors, trade unions, leftist political parties, and even conservative politicians against the budget cuts which threaten the country's universities. Milei, dismissing the crisis as political manoeuvring, faces criticism for slashing spending across various sectors to achieve a zero deficit. The impact of the cuts is evident as universities struggle to maintain basic services amid soaring inflation (currently 290%). The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) exemplifies the crisis, experiencing power cuts because it cannot cover its electricity bill. The outcry underscores the human cost of Milei’s measures and the urgent need to preserve Argentina's education system.

In Merlo, long lines form outside communal soup kitchens as inflation soars, causing a hunger crisis among the country's poor. President Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have cut government spending, even funds for soup kitchens, have exacerbated the situation. It is estimated that soup kitchens and other similar groups now serve ten million people, out of Argentina's population of 46 million. However, advocates believe the actual number of food-insecure individuals could be higher due to informal hunger relief efforts in marginalised areas. Outrage is mounting, particularly after one minister promised to help the needy and then refused to meet the crowds outside her office the next day; instead she diverted funds to religious organisations. One social leader has criticised the government for failing to address hunger effectively, despite claiming to prioritise direct assistance.