Argentine workers strike against President Milei's austerity measures

In Argentina, a general strike took place on April 10, 2025, orchestrated by the country's largest workers' unions as a protest against the austerity measures implemented by President Javier Milei. The strike caused significant disruptions across the country, affecting transportation services including trains, subways, and flights while halting mail deliveries and closing some banks and gas stations. The protests stemmed from widespread dissatisfaction with Milei's policies, which aimed at eliminating the fiscal deficit through severe spending cuts, resulting in serious impacts on public health, education sectors, and social welfare programs. The discontent was amplified by the rising inflation rates and the reduction of government pensions, which left many retirees struggling financially. Workers from various sectors expressed solidarity with retirees and sought fair collective bargaining agreements as part of the strike's demands. However, the overall participation in the strike showed mixed support, as certain sectors, such as taxis, continued to operate normally despite union endorsements for the strike. Milei's sweeping economic reforms, celebrated by some prominent individuals and institutions, including Wall Street and the Trump administration, have involved slashing subsidies, eliminating price controls, and laying off thousands of state workers. These measures, however, have severely impacted ordinary citizens, exacerbating poverty and resulting in a growing sense of frustration among the population. Unions expressed that the government's actions led to a painful rise in poverty rates and left behind a high number of unemployed individuals. Despite the intensity of the protests, President Milei appeared largely unfazed, continuing to promote his economic vision and securing international attention from leaders like Scott Bessent. The strike has become a crucial moment for the opposition, highlighting the divided sentiment towards Milei's regime while drawing attention to the urgent need for governmental dialogue on economic policies and social welfare. The situation underscores a fraught period in Argentina, as the country navigates its path amid economic turbulence and social unrest.