Polarisation rises as recovery lags in Argentina

Significance

The strike, held in protest over the government’s economic policies, took place as the World Economic Forum (WEF) held its Latin America regional meeting in Buenos Aires for the first time, and as Macri again tried to attract foreign investment back to Argentina. It came days after April 1 pro-government demonstrations brought out thousands in favour of Macri, which denounced ongoing teachers' strikes and the government of former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, currently facing trial over financial mismanagement and money-laundering.

Impacts

• Macri’s earlier strategy of avoiding the polarisation of recent years appears to be faltering.
• The CGT leadership is divided but will likely step up pressures as the elections approach.
• There is no likelihood of a near-term improvement in high levels of poverty.