Thousands of Argentines have taken to the streets to protest against the country's new president, Javier Milei, who took office earlier this month promising drastic cuts to public spending.
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Newly elected President Javier Milei announced dozens of new measures on Wednesday evening. These included sweeping initiatives to transform Argentina's struggling economy, including easing government regulation and authorizing the privatization of state-owned industries as a way to boost exports and investment.
Protesters angry at the announcements were met on the street by police as hundreds gathered outside Argentina's Congress.
Undeterred by the crowds, Milei promised in a televised speech that his actions would put Argentina on the path to success.
“The goal is to start the path to rebuilding our country, giving people back freedom and autonomy, and beginning to transform the enormous amount of regulations that have blocked, stalled and halted economic growth in our country,” he said .
In response to the protests, Mileis Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announced new measures to maintain public order, allowing federal forces to evict people blocking roads without a court order and authorizing police to evict people protesting and blocking public transportation routes to be identified via video or digitally.
According to the legislation, the state can charge protesters for the costs of mobilizing security forces.
Milei won the presidency on the back of a campaign to cut public spending. So far, he has adjusted the value of Argentina's currency, promised not to renew the contracts of civil servants who have been in office for less than a year, and announced price increases for basic services and public transportation.