1 of 1 The Minister of Human Capital of Argentina, Sandra Pettovello, during an announcement this Monday (18) Photo: Reproduction/Ministerio de Capital Humano The Minister of Human Capital of Argentina, Sandra Pettovello, during an announcement this Monday (18) — Photo: Reproduction/Ministry of Human Capital
The Argentine Minister of Human Capital, Sandra Pettovello, threatened this Monday (18) to cut social programs for those who block roads during the protests planned by social organizations for next Wednesday (20).
Cutting social programs for those who block streets during demonstrations was a campaign promise made by Milei, who repeated the slogan “el que corte no cobra” (“Whoever cuts, doesn't get”). The catchphrase contradicts the motto “viva la libertad, carajo” (“Long live freedom, damn it”), also used by the politician.
“Protesting is a right, but it is also a right to move freely throughout Argentine territory to go to work,” Pettovello said in a video broadcast on government social media. She appealed to mothers receiving benefits, saying: “Anyone who promotes, instigates, organizes or participates in picketing will lose all dialogue with the Ministry of Human Capital.”
She also said that an audit of the beneficiaries of social programs will begin with the aim of eliminating brokerage, that is, preventing social movement leaders from having the power To users in social programs. An example, according to the Infobae portal, is the Potenciar Trabajo program, which pays 78,000 pesos to the unemployed.
“Certificates of attendance will be abolished,” said Petovello, in a move in the same direction that those in charge of the organizations will not be able to accompany the participants in the marches.
Demonstrations are planned for Wednesday
The protests called by Unidad Piquetera and Polo Obrero for Wednesday (20) are a response to the economic plan announced by Luis Caputo, Minister of Economy of Milei.
Public demonstrations have become widespread among the Argentine population, especially in recent years. Popular uprisings are often concentrated in central Buenos Aires and serve as an indication to the government of the impact of its plans on society.
According to a survey by the consulting firm Diagnosis Político published by the newspaper “Clarín”, there were 568 pickets nationwide in November 2023 alone. The record was registered in August this year: 882 closures.
One of the main rebel groups is Polo Obrero made up of workers, unemployed and lowincome people who are even organizing a demonstration across the country on December 20th. Polo Obrero describes the Milei government's attempt to restrict demonstrations as unconstitutional
“The organizations that are fighting are under severe attack by the government and the judicial system because we are a reference in the fight against hunger, adaptation and unemployment throughout the country,” said a statement from Polo Obrero.
According to Bullrich, federal forces and the Federal Penitentiary Service will intervene in partial or full picketing and blockades in accordance with established procedural rules.
“If the act is a crime, they can intervene. The crimes are being investigated in accordance with Article 194 of the Penal Code and federal forces may intervene in the act,” he explained.
The protocol also stipulates that in the event of road closures during protests:
- Authorities will act until all blocked roads and bridges are cleared. The minimum necessary force is used for this.
- The people responsible for the blockades, as well as accomplices and instigators, will be identified and their information will be forwarded to the relevant authorities. Vehicles used on picket lines will also be marked.
- The social organizations responsible for the protests must bear the costs of security operations.
- If the measure leads to environmental damage, a responsible judge will be notified.
- The participation of children and young people leads to notification to the authorities and sanctions against accompanying minors.
- Foreign protesters with temporary residence will be identified and their information forwarded to Argentine immigration authorities.
- Organizations that frequently participate in picketing will be placed on a government list.