Blockades across Buenos Aires protesting poverty

Social and political organizations blocked multiple streets and highways into the Argentine capital Buenos Aires Wednesday, protesting poverty that affects nearly half the population, and the permanent soaring inflation.

Left-leaning organizations that demand more social aid from the government to counteract the economic deterioration, set blockades in over 120 spots in Buenos Aires and twenty other provinces across the country. The mobilization was organized a few days after the government published figures noting that poverty had increased to nearly 40% in the second half of 2022.

Nearly 18.6 million people are unable to cover their basic food needs with their salaries. Annual inflation reached 102.5% in February, the first time it has hit triple digits since 1991, and prices are set to soar this year, plunging more people into poverty. The demonstrators are against the adjustment policies that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demands of the country, including cuts in social spending.