Argentina's President Braces for First Protest Amidst Promised Harsh Response

Argentine President Javier Milei's government has announced drastic economic measures, including a 50% devaluation of the peso, cuts to subsidies, and ministry closures, which have sparked anger among social and labor groups. Milei's security minister has presented a new protocol allowing federal forces to clear protesters blocking streets without a judicial order and bill them for the cost of mobilizing security forces. Some groups argue that the protocol criminalizes the right to protest, leading to a petition to the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The government has also warned that people who block streets could be removed from public assistance benefit lists. Protests are planned for Wednesday, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of a protest against a previous economic crisis.