Argentina: Appeal and demonstration against Miley's “huge decree” – 12/27/2023 at 9:39 PM

In this aerial photo, union members protest against an emergency decree issued by President Javier Miley during a demonstration of the Argentine Trade Union (CGT) at Plaza Laval in Buenos Aires on December 27, 2023. (AFP / Luis ROBAYO)

Several thousand people demonstrated on Wednesday in Buenos Aires, leading to some clashes with police, during the third demonstration in a week against a large-scale economic liberalization decree by new liberal President Javier Miley.

The demonstrators, at the call of several unions, including the large central CGT, were accompanied by an appeal to court by several unions rejecting the constitutional consistency of this “huge decree,” as the press called it.

“We do not question the legitimacy of President Milley, but we want him to respect the separation of powers,” said Gerardo Martinez, a construction union leader and one of the organizers. “Workers need to stand up for their rights when there is unconstitutionality.”

Almost the entire gathering dispersed peacefully after midday, but a few scattered groups continued to confront police, deployed in large numbers, who were trying to clear a large street, leading to clashes and stampedes. Six people were arrested, according to several media reports.

Last week, ten days after taking office, Javier Miley published the “DNU” (Decree of Necessity and Emergency), which aims to amend or abolish more than 300 standards, in particular the removal of rent controls, state intervention to protect the prices of essential products, and the weakening of worker protections, Opening the door to privatization.

The decree goes into effect on Friday, but Parliament can repeal it with an absolute majority of both chambers, which no political party has. Miley's party, Libertad Avanza, is only the third force, although it can count on the support of the center-right bloc, the second largest.

But this “emergency decree” should not be considered before the start of the parliamentary session in March. Parliament, which is theoretically on summer vacation, has been holding an extraordinary session since Tuesday, but to study draft laws complementary to the National Unity Law, especially on tax issues or the role of the state.

“Today we turn to justice, but another chapter will be decided in Parliament, which will have to have a deep debate,” Gerardo Martinez said.

The huge decree, which the opposition objected to on the legal level and on its social impact, comes after a series of austerity measures announced since the first days of Miley's presidency.

This means that the devaluation of more than 50% of the peso, the national currency, and the imminent reduction in transportation and energy subsidies from January, would affect the daily lives of millions of Argentines.