Argentina's new government demands protest organisers foot policing bill

The recent protest in Buenos Aires against President Javier Milei’s economic reforms has stirred controversy as organizers are now required to cover the security costs. The government revealed that the demonstration’s policing expenses amounted to 60 million pesos ($75,000), and social movements participating in the protest will receive the bill. Thousands voiced their discontent with President Milei’s proposed “economic shock therapy” and spending cuts during the protests. Over a dozen social organizations are expected to bear the security costs, encompassing fuel expenses and man-hours for a substantial police presence, as reported. In response to criticisms of excessive security measures, government spokesman Manuel Adorni emphasized that these groups must take responsibility for the incurred costs, sparing ordinary citizens from the financial burden. Protest leaders denounced the heavy security presence, drawing parallels to the authoritarian regime of the 1970s and 1980s. President Milei, in office for less than two weeks, is determined to take stringent measures against groups impeding his reform agenda through disruptive protests. His administration’s reforms include privatizing state companies, substantial cuts in public spending (including fuel and transport subsidies), and a significant devaluation of the peso against the US dollar. While the International Monetary Fund commended these “bold” measures, acknowledging their potential to foster private sector growth, Argentina grapples with challenges such as soaring inflation, a weakened currency, and high government debt. Approximately 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, underscoring the urgency of the government’s reform agenda amid a complex economic landscape.