The new president has moved to discourage demonstrations against his “shock therapy” plan
Argentinians who participate in road closures will be punished by loss of social benefits, President Javier Milei’s government announced on Monday.
Setting up roadblocks, known as ‘corte de ruta’, has long been the preferred form of protest in the South American country. Milei has sought to outlaw the practice in anticipation of backlash against his “shock therapy” policies for economic and political recovery.
“Protesting is a right, but so is the ability to move freely through Argentine territory to get to work,” Minister of Human Capital Sandra Pettovello said in a video message to the nation, posted by Milei’s office.
Anyone who promotes, instigates, organizes, or participates in roadblocks will lose access to the ministry and could lose their welfare benefits as well, Pettovello said.
The government will audit the organizations that administer welfare benefits to “cut out the middleman” and ensure no one is blackmailed into attending protests by threats to withhold their benefits. Anyone whose benefits are cut because they didn’t attend a protest can call a number to report this to the government.
“The only ones who are not going to get paid are those who go to protests and block the streets,” Pettovello added. “Those who block will not get money.”