[Epoch Times] Protests have erupted in Buenos Aires over the past 90 days and continue to build inside the capital as residents battle with their center-left government over sizeable amendments to social programs. Cuts to subsidies in the energy sector based on household income already began in June.
Other subsidies, including the country’s notorious welfare program, are also on the chopping block, triggering thousands of angry residents to take to the streets. State-sponsored aid for civilians has soared in the past 20 years, leaving 22 million Argentinians dependent on some form of government assistance.The country’s state funded programs extend to nearly every aspect of the economy, from wages to utilities, education, and health care. Argentina already spends an estimated 800 million pesos per day—a sum of more than US$6 million—on state benefit programs.
Oh, the US can top that!
Cries for more state money, freedom from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and for President Alberto Fernandez to step down echoed within the angry crowds gathered near the president’s office—Casa Rosada —during the nation’s independence day celebration on July 9.
Since then, scheduled demonstrations have continued, led by professional protest organizers or "piqueteros" demanding the abolition of the proposed subsidy cuts and a wage increase.
More free stuff! Don't stop 'till we get enough!
Gomez has lived and worked in Buenos Aires for more than 15 years and currently is a taxi driver. As the years have passed, he’s watched his country dive deeper into economic chaos.
"I’ve seen five presidents come and go in that time; nothing has improved. Half of our country doesn’t want a job, and the ones that do, don’t want to pay the taxes for the others," he said.
Thus endeth the lesson.