Argentina: A massive general strike has brought Argentina to a standstill, with major disruptions to transport and widespread closures across the country.
The action, led by the country’s powerful unions, is a protest against sweeping public spending cuts introduced by President Javier Milei. All domestic flights have been cancelled, while train and metro services have been suspended in Buenos Aires and other cities.
Although bus services continue to operate, many shops and businesses in the capital remained closed throughout the day. Airlines confirmed that international flights would move with only minor delays.
This is the third general strike since Milei took office in late 2023. His administration has implemented drastic austerity measures aimed at curbing hyperinflation, which has dropped from over 200 percent to around 60 percent annually. While government officials hail the programme as a success, unions argue it has come at a severe cost to the most vulnerable—pensioners, public sector workers, and low-income families.
Raw Photografic Chuy@Pexels | Cropped by BH
Key components of the austerity programme include deep cuts to transport, fuel, and energy subsidies, mass layoffs of public servants, and the closure of several government departments.
Horacio Bianchi, a retired teacher in Buenos Aires stated that, “People don’t have enough money to eat. These people came to solve the problems, and they have absolutely worsened them for everyone.”
The strike coincided with a weekly demonstration by pensioners protesting reduced pension payments. Recent protests have seen increasing tensions, with clashes declared between police and demonstrators, including groups of football supporters who have joined in solidarity.
The unrest comes as the government awaits a decision from the International Monetary Fund on a potential new $20 billion loan. Argentina already holds $44 billion in debt to the IMF.
Despite the domestic backlash, global support for Milei’s reforms remains strong. The US Treasury recently praised his economic strategy, commenting that, “he had brought Argentina back from economic oblivion.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to visit Buenos Aires to show support for the ongoing reforms.
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