General Strike Disrupts Transport and Services Across Argentina

A general strike initiated by powerful unions in Argentina has caused severe transportation disruptions, affecting domestic flights and public services nationwide.

A nationwide strike in Argentina has brought transport services to a halt as unions protest against substantial public spending cuts enacted by President Javier Milei. Airports across the country saw all domestic flights canceled, with around 20,000 passengers affected after national airline Aerolíneas Argentinas scrapped 258 flights. While many shops closed their doors in the capital city of Buenos Aires, bus drivers continued to operate, and international flights remained largely unaffected, despite a few delays.

This represents the third major strike since President Milei's inauguration at the end of 2023, following his implementation of stringent austerity measures aimed at combating hyperinflation. These measures purportedly reduced inflation rates from over 200% to around 60% annually. However, unions argue that these policies have disproportionately harmed society's most vulnerable, particularly pensioners and low-income workers.

Amid these austerity cuts—such as reductions in subsidies for transport, fuel, and energy, alongside mass public sector layoffs and government department closures—many citizens are struggling financially. Horacio Bianchi, a retired teacher residing in Buenos Aires, voiced his frustration, stating that people are suffering due to inadequate funds for basic needs.

Pensioners, who have faced significant reductions in their pension funds, participated in protests leading up to the strike—some of which have turned violent, as clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, with individuals from various sympathetic groups, including football fans, getting involved.

The government is keenly awaiting a decision on a new $20 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, with Argentina already holding a substantial debt of $44 billion. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to visit Buenos Aires next week in support of the continuing economic reforms led by Milei's administration.