Argentina’s President Javier Milei pushes austerity plan despite protests

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — President Javier Milei announced sweeping initiatives Wednesday to transform Argentina’s struggling economy, including easing government regulation and allowing privatization of state-run industries as a way to boost exports and investment.

The right-wing libertarian announced the moves for South America’s second biggest economy just hours after thousands of Argentines took to the streets of the capital to protest against austerity and deregulation actions taken last week by Milei.

The demonstrations went off relatively peacefully, after a government warning against blocking streets.

Around the start of the protest, which drew thousands of marchers, police briefly scuffled with some demonstrators and two men were arrested. But the event concluded without widespread street blockages that have been frequent in past years.

Undeterred by the protest, Milei afterward announced the measures in a televised address to the nation.

“The goal is start on the road to rebuilding our country, return freedom and autonomy to individuals and start to transform the enormous amount of regulations that have blocked, stalled and stopped economic growth in our country,” Milei said.

The approximately 300 changes would earmark many government companies for privatization, and loosen protections for renters, workers and shoppers.

After the announcement, people in some neighborhoods of Buenos Aires banged pots to show their disapproval. “Cacerolazos” — noisy anti-government protests in which people bang casserole pots — have been symbolic in Argentina in recent years when people want to express their anger.

Milei’s administration had said it will allow protests, but threatened to cut off public aid payments to anyone who blocks streets. Marchers were also forbidden to carry sticks, cover their faces or bring children to the protest.