Argentine authorities had to activate the “anti-picketing” protocol this Wednesday (10), promoted by the government of Javier Milei, in response to a demonstration organized by two unions that tried to obstruct the streets of Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital.
The protest, which began in the morning in front of the former Ministry of Social Development, culminated in tension and confrontation when the police, triggered by protocol, decided to intervene to clear one of the occupied roads. The confrontation resulted in the arrest of 11 protesters.
The protest was part of the so-called “national day of struggle”, and was called by the Popular Economy Workers Union (UTEP) and the Piqueteira Unit, which oppose the policies proposed by Milei’s government. The protesters had completely disrupted traffic on one of Buenos Aires’ roads when the police decided to intervene.
The Police of the City of Buenos Aires, following protocol, advanced on the militants and activists who were blocking the road, using fire hydrant trucks, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
After approximately half an hour of confrontation, the situation was controlled and traffic in the region returned to normal. Buenos Aires authorities have reinforced security in the building where the Ministry of Economy is located, anticipating possible movements of protesters to the location.