Argentina's Largest Union Calls General Strike Against President Javier Milei's Economic Plans

Argentina’s President Javier Milei is bracing for a major challenge as the country’s largest labor union is set to stage a nationwide general strike. The strike directly responds to Milei’s radical economic policies, which have sparked widespread discontent.

What Happened: The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), Argentina’s most influential union, has called for a general strike on Wednesday, reported CNBC. This move is a significant challenge to Milei’s ultra-libertarian economic agenda.

Milei, a right-wing leader, has been in office for just 45 days, making this the fastest response to a new government in Argentina’s history. The strike is expected to draw thousands of workers to the streets, posing a serious test for Milei’s ambitious plans to deregulate the country’s economy.

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Despite the potential impact of the strike, analysts believe it may not immediately alter Milei’s policies. However, they warn that the labor union’s movement could grow in strength and disrupt economic activity in the future.

Argentina’s government has responded to the strike by announcing that it will withhold a day’s pay from striking public servants. It has also set up a hotline for reporting any “threats and pressure” on workers to stay away from their jobs.

Why It Matters: Milei’s shock economic agenda, which includes plans to dollarize the economy, abolish the central bank, and privatize the pension system, has been met with widespread skepticism. Argentina is currently grappling with an annual inflation rate of over 211%, the highest in 32 years, and a poverty rate of 40%.

Despite the challenges, Milei has remained steadfast in his approach, even condemning socialism at the World Economic Forum and advocating for free-market capitalism as the solution to global poverty. His administration’s response to the strike and the future of his economic policies will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for Argentina’s economic future.

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