Bypassing congress, Argentina's Milei decrees sweeping economic deregulation and privatization measures

[Judi Lynn]

2. Argentina's president announces economy deregulation as thousands protest against austerity

Protesters march against government austerity measures as police stand guard in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. Social organizations have called people to protest the government's new economic shock measures on Wednesday, despite President Javier Milei's warning he would crack down on any protest blocking streets. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Debora Rey and Almudena Calatrava
The Associated Press
Staff
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Updated Dec. 20, 2023 9:31 p.m. CST
Published Dec. 20, 2023 5:23 p.m. CST

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.

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.

. . .

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

More:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/argentina-s-president-announces-economy-deregulation-as-thousands-protest-against-austerity-1.6696008

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