POLITICAL CLIMATE REPORT

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Will the alliance hold?: Disputes strain working to protect the lower and governing coalition as Macri announces middle classes, boosting consumption (which fell 8.7% in March) and

ARGENTINA measures to ease economic pain fighting inflation. – Tensions are deepening within

PCR PCR Cambiemos, both in the circles closest The measures announced include new to the president, and with the Unión credit lines and benefits, particularly Cívica Radical (, UCR), targeted at vulnerable groups such as which has long clamored for a more retirees and beneficiaries of social plans, significant role in the coalition and in and support for SMEs. Macri also economic policy decision-making (see announced an agreement with 16 March PCR for background). The UCR has companies to freeze prices on 60 essential been vocally critical of many of the goods for six months, and said the government’s least-popular economic government will act more stringently measures, such as public service tariff against anti-competitive practices. Further, increases, for most of Macri’s term, and there will be no fresh increases to recently have been calling for measures to residential gas, electricity and help protect against the effects of inflation. transportation tariffs for the rest of the On April 13, Mendoza Governor and year. The government will absorb the cost national UCR head Alfredo Cornejo went so of previously-announced electricity fare far as to say that the government’s increases. In a recorded video in which inflation measures “had failed.” Macri discusses the measures with a working-class family, the president says For that reason, in recent weeks, there that the structural changes his have been a series of conversations administration is undertaking are between the upper echelons of Macri’s PRO fundamental to resolve the issue of party and high-level UCR leaders to inflation in the long-term, but that now discuss these issues and define the that the currency had stabilized, “the continuity of the alliance. moment has arrived to bring some relief to Argentines.” Partially in response to the UCR’s concerns, on Wednesday morning (April Initial reports that such a package were in 17), President Macri announced that the the works emerged a week earlier after a government will implement a series of new meeting between the five Cambiemos measures aimed at showing that it is governors (including the three UCR

Monthly Inflation National Inflation Figures January 2017 - March 2019 Year-on-year Inflation

10% 60%

8% 48%

6% 36% year inflation year

4% 24% - on

2% 12% -

Monthly Inflation Monthly Year 0% 0%

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governors) and other key decision makers. What is going on with the opposition? However, the formal announcement

strategically occurred a day after the After a period of relative quiet, in mid- ARGENTINA release of March’s inflation figure, which

– March, former President Cristina hit 4.7 percent. These measures are Fernández de Kirchner returned to the

PCR PCR especially relevant as recent polls center of the political scenario with a show also that the higher-than- widely-circulated video. The release of the expected inflation in January-March video coincided with a trip to Cuba to has undermined public confidence in accompany her daughter Florencia to the government’s ability to wrestle receive medical treatment. In it, CFK inflation under control. Further, on April alleges that her daughter is suffering from 16, Macri announced that he would cancel health problems due to the opposition’s a planned trip to Europe “to be in the persecution. The message of the video country during this moment,” a bid at is clear: the government’s judicial demonstrating austerity and solidarity. investigations into her daughter’s assets are unfair, politically motivated In addition to pushing for changes in attacks. Instead, CFK challenges the economic policy, the UCR has been government to focus on her, since she, advocating for more openness from the unlike her daughter, chose to enter PRO to other spaces in the Cambiemos politics. While not explicitly a campaign alliance, which many believe would video, it sets a tone for a possible improve governance. A series of campaign that would be encounters between National Deputy confrontational and would portray Martín Lousteau (UCR) and Macri have advancing corruption investigations fueled speculation that the government against her as political persecution. could offer the UCR the vice presidency as Responses to the video have largely a gesture of good will. However, there followed the expected partisan lines, and are few possible VP nominees from CFK’s opponents have alleged she is radicalismo that would appeal to the fleeing to Cuba because the country does government, and the nomination of a not extradite to Argentina (though she has non-PRO insider to the VP role would sought and received judicial permission for be a significant divergence for the visits to Cuba). party, which remains fairly insular. At the same time, this pressure from the Among the non-Kirchnerist opposition, UCR may also be aimed at generating former Economy Minister Roberto leverage in the discussion over the Lavagna’s candidacy is receiving significant lists of candidates for Congress. attention (see sidebar for more Overall, the government’s overtures are background on Lavagna). Indeed, while aimed at addressing the concerns of upset Macri has avoided referring to most of the UCR members ahead of the party’s other opposition candidates specifically, he national convention in mid-May, where has criticized Lavagna, saying that over members will define who they will support the decades he has contributed to the in the election. They could also silence structural economic issues that Macri’s calls for Macri to face a UCR candidate in administration is trying to resolve. After the primaries (see March PCR for CFK, Lavagna has the most voter intention background). among opposition candidates in most polls (though hovering at about 10 percent, significantly behind both Macri and CFK) and one of the most positive images amongst voters.

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Despite his sound poll numbers, the decision was a maneuver aimed at Lavagna is a bit of an outsider who preventing the Peronist and Kirchernists in

does not have the support of a party Buenos Aires Province from agreeing on ARGENTINA

structure, which is often crucial to a one gubernatorial candidate that could – strong performance in national challenge Cambiemos’ hold on the

PCR PCR elections. He has opened conversations governorship, and said it will challenge the with some parts of the UCR about a measure in the judiciary. It noted that the possible alliance, but given the national government has used colectoras when it

government’s efforts to appease the party, benefited them (for example, to assure the it seems unlikely the UCR structure will 2015 election of Jujuy Governor Gerardo support his candidacy. For its part, the Morales).

Peronist party seems ill-disposed to support his candidacy unless he agrees to Who is Roberto Lavagna? compete in primary elections. Peronist The reason many in Argentina are talking about presidential pre-candidates include Frente Roberto Lavagna—a 77-year-old former minister Renovador leader Sergio Massa and Salta of economy who has been in the political arena Governor Juan Manuel Urtubey, the latter for more than 45 years—is that he is an of which has said that the party’s opposition presidential candidate with the potential to pick up votes from disenchanted and candidate should be chosen by voters and undecided voters. Lavagna has a positive image not by a political agreement. For now, of around 40 percent and is the best-polling there appears to be little motive for candidate for a potential second round runoff them to throw their support behind against President Macri, according to many polls, although his candidacy is undermined by lack of Lavagna. backing from a major political party.

Analysis Lavagna has served as a public official under six different presidents, four Peronists and two from the UCR. He entered the public sector in 1973 Polls continue to point to a highly during the brief administration of Héctor competitive race between Macri and Cámpora and also served in the economic team whomever he faces in a likely of Juan Domingo Perón’s last government. He ballotage. The president’s image entered the private sector in 1975 and founded EcoLatina, an economic consulting firm still in continues to weaken amid a struggling operating. Lavagna’s most significant role was as economy, and a series of recent polls Néstor Kirchner’s economy minister. During this suggest that CFK could receive the most period, he put forward a series of policies aimed votes of any presidential candidate in the at reactivating consumption to overcome the 2001 economic crisis and was also in charge of primaries. Given this scenario, it seems restructuring the country’s debt. However, more and more likely that she will Lavagna was originally appointed to the top decide to mount a presidential economic post by President Eduardo Duhalde in campaign. However, most polls show 2002 and was seen within the cabinet as an independent not completely aligned with high levels of undecided or blank votes . He was ultimately ousted by (around 20-30 percent) in ballotage Kirchner after a series of policy disagreements. scenarios, and it is difficult to make He left the government with the economy electoral predictions with so much growing at a rate of 8 percent and is widely credited for helping Argentina recover after the uncertainty. 2001 default.

Government changes electoral rules In 2007, he ran for president as an independent backed by a shaky coalition consisting of the UCR, some Peronists, and socialist groups, but On April 12, the presidency issued a was defeated by Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. decree that made several changes to the In 2015, he supported Sergio Massa’s Frente electoral system, prohibiting multiple Renovador and became his top economic advisor. This year, Lavagna aims to be a candidacies and eliminating “colectoras”, a compromise candidate and refuses to compete in system under which a single candidate primaries, contrary to what many opposition could appear on more than one ballot. The governors want. He is also against aligning with opposition quickly cried foul, alleging that Kirchnerism.

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While the government has said it guarantees regardless of whether short- banned colectoras because they term treasury bills, for instance, are

generate confusion (and had previously renovated at the expected rates or not. ARGENTINA

tried to eliminate them in 2016 in a stalled Still the IMF disbursements are subject to – electoral reform bill), it is true that this fulfillment of objectives defined in the

PCR PCR measure will likely benefit BA stand-by agreement. Province Governor María Eugenia Vidal. Vidal had previously agreed to hold Shortly thereafter, Economy Minister

provincial elections simultaneous to Nicolás Dujovne and Central Bank national elections despite the possibility President Guido Sandleris travelled to that Macri’s appearance on the ballot Washington, DC to participate in the would hurt her candidacy (see January- annual IMF and World Bank spring February PCR for background), and this meetings. On April 13, they met with IMF measure could serve as some console. representative David Lipton, who reiterated the IMF’s support for the A Lannister always pays his debts: government’s economic stabilization plan. Argentina receives next Additionally, after the meetings, the installment of IMF agreement Central Bank announced that they would be selling USD 60 million daily on In early April, the IMF completed its fourth exchange rate markets to alleviate some disbursement to Argentina as part of the of the inflationary pressure on the stand-by agreement signed last June. The Argentine peso. This was followed up by disbursement of USD 10.8 billion raises an announcement on April 16, when the the balance of unused funds from the Central Bank stated they would freeze the agreement to USD 29.5 billion, which upper and lower limits for non-intervention would be enough to pay for all in exchange markets at 51.45 and 39.75 upcoming maturities through August, pesos per U.S dollar. even in the extreme case that the Treasury does not place any more Inflation remains stubbornly high, with bonds (in reality, the government expects inflation growing 4.7 percent in March and that 2 out of every 3 pesos in upcoming totaling 11.8 percent for the first quarter short-term debt maturities will be of 2019. Despite President Macri’s renewed). Further planned disbursements announcement of a number of economic in June and October would extend these measures to stimulate consumption and

Exchange Rate – Argentine Pesos per USD

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lower inflation rates on April 17, members which the government is sometimes of Dujovne’s team and IMF representatives explicitly blamed. For instance, they

remained adamant that continuity in their have been advancing bills that attempt to ARGENTINA

monetary policy strategies takes priority decrease the burden of public service – over short-term relief. tariffs as a percentage of monthly wages.

PCR PCR High poverty rates, which are No more trial by combat: Proposal for exacerbated by the crisis, also a new penal code continue to be a worry for a government that made reducing On March 25, the government introduced a poverty one of its main goals. Poverty bill for a new penal code into Congress, figures released by national statistics almost 100 years after the current penal agency INDEC in late March showed that code was implemented in 1921. Some of 32 percent of the population was living in the main differences between the new bill poverty by the end of 2018. Still, there and the current code include harsher are signs that an economic recovery punishment for corruption, drug trafficking might be on the horizon. While the last and violent crime. Though it is unlikely quarter of 2018 registered a slightly that the bill will pass this year, it better-than-expected year-on-year drop of could obtain preliminary approval. 6.2 percent in GDP, contributing to a total 2.5 percent contraction in 2018, the Last year, its introduction was industrial production index grew 4.8 postponed several times largely due percent in January and 2.4 percent in to the ongoing discussion about February, in seasonally-adjusted data. abortion and potential changes in this Bank loans for firms and households area. Though the new bill still penalizes stopped decreasing in March, and the abortion (except in cases that threaten the construction sector seems to be would-be mother’s life or in cases of reactivating, with private and public sexual abuse), it reduces the maximum construction permits increasing by 36.6 sentence to three years from four and and 5 percent, respectively. gives judges the possibility of suspending or exempting punishment for women who A legislative battleground: sides decide to terminate their pregnancy on a fight for control of the agenda case-by-case basis. The government is also advancing another related bill to As the electoral season approaches, reform the juvenile penal code, which efforts to pass new bills in Congress includes a controversial article that lowers or treat previously introduced bills the age of criminal responsibility from 16 follow broader political and electoral to 15 years old for those that commit strategies. So far this year, Cambiemos crimes with sentences longer than 15 has primarily sought to promote a years. ―law and order‖ narrative in Congress, supporting bills aimed at increasing The introduction of these bills is likely a punishment for organized crime and political move by the Macri administration, preventing its influence in politics—and, at for several reasons. First, it marks a the same time, implicate hardline contrast with past administrations’ opponents such as CFK and the FpV by (and current political rivals’) association with cases of corruption. perceived lack of action against Meanwhile, Cambiemos opponents organized crime. Second, and perhaps across the Peronist spectrum seem partly due to that perception, the ―law more concerned with alleviating the and order‖ narrative appeals to hardships caused by recent economic Macri’s core base of supporters and to conditions on the populace (and other members of the populace across particularly the working class), for the political spectrum. Finally, due to

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ongoing cases against likely presidential contender CFK on the basis of corruption, A highly-politicized investigation

which garner significant public attention, it sparks unrest ARGENTINA works in the administration’s favor – The recent congressional testimony of federal that discussion of one will likely be Judge Alejo Ramos Padilla about an ongoing

PCR PCR contextualized in light of the other. judicial investigation into claims that intelligence Opposition to the bill in Congress or in any agents carried out illegal operations has sparked public space, particularly by Kirchner controversy. According to Ramos Padilla’s

testimony, a phony lawyer by the name of

supporters, could therefore be painted as Marcelo D’Alessio had extorted confessions from corrupt itself. Even traditional Peronists people. These were allegedly later used to bring will likely have to concentrate their forth criminal charges, and Ramos Padilla criticisms on specific points in the bill, and claimed the evidence could suggest that Federal Prosecutor Carlos Stornelli and Security Minister tread lightly when doing so. Patricia Bullrich have links to D’Alessio.

Political financing, barras bravas, On March 15, two days after Ramos Padilla testified in front of a Congressional committee, tariffs, and more Justice Minister Germán Garavano called on the Judiciary Council to open an investigation into Separately, debate surrounding the Ramos Padilla’s testimony, claiming that his political financing bill in Congress is investigation and testimony were not impartial 1 and had not been conducted in secrecy, as was ongoing. While certain points seemed his duty. On March 19, Human Rights Watch settled by late March, such as a limit on warned that the government’s investigation into private contributions to electoral Ramos Padilla’s testimony “undermines judicial campaigns and requiring they be made independence.”

through banks, differences arose over a Stornelli is currently working alongside federal new proposal to impose restrictions on Judge Claudio Bonadio on numerous cases and digital advertising and whether unions investigations into alleged corruption during the could contribute to campaigns. Cambiemos Kirchner administrations, and the allegations could call into question some of the evidence in has opposed both the proposal that at those cases. Government allies and opponents of least 50 percent of spending on digital CFK have said that Ramos Padilla’s investigation advertising go towards Argentine outlets and his implication of Stornelli in the case are (not foreign platforms) and allowing efforts to hinder the progress made by Bonadio and Stornelli in these investigations. In early unions to contribute (Argentina Federal April, Ramos Padilla invited Bonadio to access senators support this point). the investigation. Stornelli’s defense lawyer, meanwhile, argues that Ramos Padilla has no Nevertheless, with time short to advance jurisdiction over the case. the bill before the elections, on April 16, a compromise bill (including limits on digital that were introduced to Congress late last advertising spending but maintaining the year, such as the barras bravas bill—which prohibition on union contributions) doubles down on organized crime received Senate approval with a 48-2 vote. surrounding groups of soccer fanatics The measure will now pass to the groups, a subject that is also heavily lower Chamber, and it is not clear if politicized in Argentina (see November the fragile consensus reached will 2018 PCR for more details)—remain hold. stalled.

While the debate is ongoing and it Cambiemos’ legislative strategy so far this remains a priority in Congress for year thus exemplifies their law and order Cambiemos, the government must narrative, a tactic that in the past has move swiftly for this to apply to this successfully shifted the public conversation year’s national elections. Other bills away from topics that could be harmful to their image, and onto subjects that often

implicate opponents, such as the FpV and 1 This bill was introduced late last year. See November 2018 PCR for more details. CFK, by association with cases of

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corruption. Meanwhile, the opposition ruling, the Court stated that until a law is seems to be using a similar the same passed through Congress that creates

strategy: much of their legislative focus exemptions in income taxes for retirees, ARGENTINA

this year has been on measures meant to no further sums should be withheld from – combat the social hardships generated by the woman.

PCR PCR Argentina’s difficult economic situation, for which it blames the current government. The ruling will set a precedent for 400 similar cases currently making their way

For instance, on April 4, Kirchnerists, through the courts and could motivate moderate Peronists from “federal” blocs further lawsuits. At the moment, around such as Argentina Federal, and the Frente 300,000 retirees earning more than ARS Renovador banded together to try to 62,000 (USD 1,465) pay income taxes in impose an agenda of 78 bills including over their benefits. Though there is efforts to index public service tariffs to broad consensus that the current wages and exempt retirees from paying pension system is not sustainable— income taxes (see below for information particularly with the current economic on a recent Supreme Court ruling conditions and the country’s tight regarding the latter). While Cambiemos fiscal goals—comprehensive pension successfully avoided attempts to treat reform remains a contentious subject2 these bills (a two-thirds majority would and will not be in the legislative have been needed to proceed, since the agenda this year. Still, this ruling could bills did not have committee approval), become relevant if future governments try this move showed that Peronists in to pass pension reforms. Congress can still unite forces to reach quorum and try to dictate the agenda. The final 4 to 1 vote on this case again Contrary to the national electoral isolated Court President Carlos battleground, where Peronists remain Rosenkrantz, who has found himself divided between Kirchnerists and non- alone in various recent rulings and who Kirchnerists, they can still agree on stated that his vote against the plaintiff broad legislative strategies against resulted from insufficient evidence that the Cambiemos. Whether these alliances can sums paid in taxes by the woman were be maintained through the electoral actually unreasonable and confiscatory. season will likely depend on how much Additionally, Rosenkrantz’s vote was one different Peronist factions choose to of the only two votes in favor of allowing differentiate from one another and Governor Alberto Weretilneck’s candidacy whether Cambiemos can use those for reelection in Río Negro province last differences to their advantage. month (see below) and the only vote in favor of the government’s proposal to Supreme Court rules against reindex retirment benefits last December taxing retirement benefits (see December 2018 PCR for more details). Though Rosenkrantz’s On March 26, the Supreme Court ruled appointment as court president in that income tax payments on pension and retirement benefits can be 2 The Macri administration advanced a reform in 2017 unconstitutional, since retirees are a arguing that it would ensure pensioners’ purchasing vulnerable group deserving special power and protect them from volatility -- largely by tying the index used to calculate pension increases to protection. The court ruled on the case of a greater extent to the CPI rather than to increases in a 79-year-old woman, who was allegedly formal sector wages and tax revenues. Critics unable to afford adequate healthcare due accused the government of prioritizing its fiscal deficit to paying close to 30 percent of her reduction targets over the rights of pensioners, and the Supreme Court turned down this formula to index retirement benefits in income taxes, and payments. who sued the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP). Following the

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October 2018 (see September 2018 Casas’s bid for re-election as governor in PCR) seemed to tilt the balance in the La Rioja province. Similar to Río Negro,

Supreme Court in favor of the current after occupying the post of vice governor ARGENTINA

administration, his isolation in recent (2011-2015) and as governor (2015- – votes illustrates the opposite. present) in consecutive terms, the

PCR PCR Rulings on elections in Río Negro and provincial constitution prohibited his La Rioja present mixed results for

Cambiemos Far from King’s Landing: Provincial

elections show resilience of governing The Supreme Court also recently voted on parties matters concerning provincial elections in Although considerable uncertainty continues to Río Negro and La Rioja. On March 22, surround the national elections, provincial Argentina’s Supreme Court ruled 3-2 elections have shown more predictability. The against Río Negro Governor Alberto top vote getters thus far have all been from Weretilneck’s candidacy for governor. The either or local provincial parties. However, this should not be read as a signal appeal had reached the country’s highest about the current national sentiment, given that court after varying rulings by provincial provincial elections have largely focused on local courts, including a March 6 ruling by Río issues and occurred in provinces that account for Negro’s highest court that had determined a relatively small percentage of the national electorate. Instead, the results are clear that Governor Weretilneck should be confirmation of the strength of incumbent allowed to run for reelection (see March governing parties. PCR for background on the dispute). In addition to Nequén Governor Omar Gutierrez’s comfortable re-election in March (see here for The three votes against Weretilneck’s background), in Río Negro, of appeal included that of former court Juntos Somos Río Negro, JSRN—the political president Ricardo Lorenzetti, who cited the space of current Governor Alberto Weretilneck— precedent of a ruling against what could easily won on April 7 with with 52.5 percent of the vote. Also on April 7, the front of current have been ’s third- Chubut Governor was the most- consecutive term in Santiago del Estero in voted candidate in the province’s primary 2013,3 as well as the “republican virtue of elections, maintaining a 15-point margin over the discouraging perpetuation in power”. The closest competitor. On April 14, Entre Ríos Governor received almost 60 two votes in favor of Weretilneck’s appeal percent of the vote in the province’s primary came from court President Carlos election as head of a pan-Peronist front. Rosenkrantz and Judge Elena Highton. Weretilneck had implicit support from Similarly, on March 31, current Governor Sergio Uñac (Frente Todos—PJ) gathered most of the the government in this appeal, given vote (56 percent) in San Juan’s primaries. This that his ineligibility could have paved builds on the strong performance of Uñac’s front the way for Frente para la Victoria in the 2017 midterms and positions Uñac well candidate Martín Soria to win the not only at the provincial level, but also as a potential leader in the Peronist party nationally. gubernatorial race. However, Weretilneck’s His name has been floated as a potential VP running mate, Arabela Carreras, stepped candidate for former economy minister Roberto up to fill the candidacy and won the Lavagna. Uñac and Lavagna have been closely gubernatorial elections comfortably (see linked in the same Peronist spaces, and the governor has openly stated he would be willing sidebar). to form a presidential ticket with Lavagna.

Similarly, the Supreme Court ruled April is a particularly busy month in the electoral unanimously against allowing Sergio calendar with at least one vote taking place every weekend. May will be quieter, but the electoral schedule will pick up again in June with 3 Tucumán, Chubut, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, Santa Fe, Though Gerardo Zamora’s bid was ultimately not San Luis and Tierra del Fuego all voting. allowed in 2013, he ran again in 2017 and won the Corrientes will also hold legislative elections and election, making him Santiago del Estero’s current Mendoza will have its primaries in June. governor.

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reelection in 2019. Nevertheless, Casas government and have accused it of sought to legitimize his candidacy through being complicit with the government.

a referendum (more details in the This notion was furthered by the relatively ARGENTINA

January-February PCR). Despite the lackluster march, and the fact that just a – results of the referendum, which favored few days later, the government issued a

PCR PCR Casas, an appeal case was brought to the decree allocating more funds to union- Supreme Court by UCR and PRO party controlled health insurance schemes representatives (unlike in Río Negro, (obras sociales) to the direct benefit of one

Casas’s candidacy was opposed by the of the CGT’s top leaders, Héctor Daer ruling coalition Cambiemos). The Court (head of the health workers’ union), who ruled unanimously against claims that the participated in negotiations with Social referendum legitimized Casas’ candidacy, Development and Health Minister Carolina stating that applications of the vote in Stanley and Production Minister Dante favor of Casas’ candidacy rather loosely Sica. interpreted the provincial constitution. In the absence of more firm action from They’re not white walkers, but the CGT, in mid-April, the Confederación they are marching: unions Argentina de Trabajadores del Transporte announce spate of mobilizations (Argentina Confederation of Transportation Workers, CATT) announced that it will hold The social panorama has become a strike on May 1 to call for exemption increasingly complex in recent days. On from income taxes. This was criticized by April 4, industrial unions and social groups Pablo Moyano, who heads the Fresimona marched in downtown Buenos Aires to front—which consists of unions not aligned protest the economic measures of the with the CGT (see October 2018 PCR for Macri administration. The mobilization was background)—because it coincides with the supported by both umbrella labor national workers’ day holiday. Shortly organization Confederación General del thereafter, Moyano called a general strike Trabajo (General Confederation of Labor, for April 30 “in rejection of the economic GCT) and the alternative Central de policies of the government.” It seems the Trabajadores de la Argentina (Argentine CGT will not join this strike, although a Workers' Central Union, CTA). However, significant number of unions are expected with the exception of a confrontation to participate. The CGT’s relatively between social organizations and measured approach is likely a Buenos Aires police, the tone of the strategic decision aimed at not march was fairly muted: protestors undermining the Peronists’ electoral went to Congress, but did not march to chances by not alienating the the Plaza de Mayo outside of Macri’s office undecided voters who may have a nor did CGT leaders give speeches. This negative opinion of unions (and by may have been to avoid a repeat of extension, the Peronists) but are March 2017 mobilization, when disenchanted with the current leaders were run off the stage by administration. upset protestors urging the CGT to call a general strike (see March 2017 PCR for background).

Hardline unions have been highly critical of the CGT’s approach to the Disclaimer: This message is confidential and intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The information provided is exclusively for general background research and does not furnish advice on any particular commercial investment, trade matter or issue. The content of this material may not be replicated, reproduced, kept in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the express consent and approval of Cefeidas Group. © 2019 Cefeidas Group

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