Thousands of Argentines protest energy price hikes
Thousands of people have held protest rallies across Argentina against an increase in consumer utility prices ordered by the conservative government.
People took to the streets in the capital, Buenos Aires, and a number of other cities on Thursday evening, banging pots and pans to express their opposition to the recent hikes.
The demonstration, which was organized by consumer protection associations and leftist groups, came only days after the government announced a new cap on hikes to gas prices and said it would appeal a court ruling that halted the price hikes for gas and electricity.
President Mauricio Macri cut energy subsidies and raised energy rates after taking office late last year. He said frozen tariffs during the previous government had left Argentina’s economy on the brink of collapse.
“I’m marching against the rise in prices that we had. We don’t have enough money for this and we can’t pay the bills that came,” said, Osvaldo Ceballos, a 76-year-old protester.
Another protester, Marina Rizzola, said her salary is not enough to cover the utility hikes. She said that she earns about $500 a month and has to pay over $100 only for the gas bill.
“I have a son and I must pay the rent. My salary is gone. The truth is our entire country is going through a very difficult time and the media are being protective. The only resort we have is to go out in the street and do this (protest) so that someone will listen to us,” she said.
Macri has been calling on people to conserve energy after years of using cheap natural gas.
“Because of bad policies for over a decade, we are left without sufficient energy not just to live, but for development,” the president said.
“That’s why I am asking you, all citizens, time and time again, that based on this responsibility, we truly collaborate by reducing personal energy consumption because what the country most needs at this moment is to consume less energy,” he added.
‘Unsubstantiated’: Iran rejects Argentine court's blaming for AMIA bombing
Thousands rally against rising hunger in Argentina amid austerity measures
OIC condemns Argentina's decision to relocate embassy to al-Quds
UNRWA warns of humanitarian collapse in Gaza
'Hello my enemies': Lebanese journalist on Israeli threats and his resolve to continue
Outrage in France as MP proposes bill to ban criticism of Israel
VIDEO | The strategy of Hezbollah in war
Israeli military withdraws several brigades from southern Lebanon: Report
48-year-old Palestinian man serving 48 life terms completes 22 years in Israeli jails
From MKO to Tondar, how Germany became safe haven for anti-Iran terror groups
Hamas open to any proposal aiming to end Gaza war: Hamdan
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
