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December 21, 2023

Javier Milei Deregulates Argentine Economy as Protesters Defy Crackdown on Dissent
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In Argentina, newly inaugurated President Javier Milei ordered a major
deregulation of the national economy Wednesday. The far-right
libertarian followed through on his campaign promise, using executive
powers to undo or change 300 rules. These include eliminating laws
regulating rents and preventing the privatization of state companies.
Milei also announced measures to deregulate labor, trade, tourism,
pharmaceuticals and other areas. Following the announcement, thousands
of people took to the streets in the first public demonstration since
Milei's inauguration - and his threats to crack down on protests. This
is Alejandro Bodart, secretary general of the Socialist Workers
Movement.

Alejandro Bodart: "I think it is clear that there is a government that
is determined to apply a brutal adjustment, that has already begun,
which has rapidly crushed wages. And in order to make this adjustment
happen, they are determined to repress and restrict democratic freedoms.
It is unbelievable that a march cannot take place in peace because these
people have taken the political decision to prevent it by violating our
constitutional rights."



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