Argentina’s Government Collapsing; People Refuse to Work Amid Major Subsidy Cuts

Only 43 percent of adults have a job, as inflation soars above 60 percent

Members of social and trade union organizations protesting on July 20, 2022, in Buenos Aires, in demand of a universal basic income. The impoverished South American country struggles to repay its US$44 billion dollar debt with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amid rampant inflation and social unrest. Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images

Protests have erupted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, over the past 90 days and continue to build inside the capital as residents battle with their center-left government over sizable amendments to social programs.

Cuts to subsidies in the energy sector based on household income began in June. Other subsidies, including the country’s welfare program, are also on the chopping block, triggering thousands of angry residents to take to the streets.