News / Argentina

Argentinean protesters slam layoffs, high inflation

Wednesday, 20 April 2016 10:06 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 20 April 2016 10:03 AM ]

Demonstrators march towards the Labor Ministry during a protest against high inflation and massive layoffs, in Buenos Aires, on April 19, 2016. ©REUTERS

Thousands of people have demonstrated in the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires against massive layoffs and high inflation.

Protesters marched towards the labor ministry on Tuesday and demanded improved working conditions and wage hikes.

The protest, organized by the Association of State Workers (ATE) and the Argentine Workers' Central Union (CTA), came a day before the proposed Emergency Jobs bill goes up for debate in the Chamber of Deputies.

Protesters held banners reading “Genuine work and rise in wages.”

Demonstrators march towards the Labor Ministry during a protest against high inflation and massive layoffs, in Buenos Aires, on April 19, 2016. ©REUTERS

It came in response to President Mauricio Macri’s plan to implement tens of thousands of layoffs in the public sector along with subsidy cuts to power and water bills.

Marci was elected last November and promised to improve the country’s economy. He accuses former presidents of over-hiring and leaving the country financially crippled.

He has pushed through some reforms to close a gaping fiscal deficit and revive the economy in order to win the confidence of international investors.

Minister of Modernization Andreas Ibarra has said that all contracts of state employees should be reviewed.

Kirchner and her husband and predecessor Nestor Kirchner rewrote Argentina's social contract during their 12-year spell.

They spent heavily on social programs for the poor and aligned themselves with South America's anti-colonial leaders such as the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

Macri, however, tried to ease restrictions on imports and dollar transactions and liberalize the country’s economy.

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