Story perspectives

Massive Protests Erupt Over Controversial Labor Reform in Argentina

2/12/2026

Center

Workers Protest Reforms

Thousands of workers protested outside Argentina's Congress on February 11, 2026, against President Javier Milei's proposed labor reform bill.
Supporters say the bill will overhaul labor laws and boost job creation and foreign investment.
Unions say the proposals would undermine worker protections.
Inflation rose 2.9% in January 2026, complicating Milei's austerity measures.

Right

Argentina's Inflation Crisis

Argentina's inflation rose 2.9% in January, the fifth straight month above 2%, with prices up 32.9% in the last year and food and non-alcoholic beverages posting large gains.
The government postponed a new inflation-measurement methodology after INDEC head Marco Lavagna resigned, prompting debate over the accuracy of current statistics.
Annual inflation expectations for 2026 stand at 22.4%.
The Milei administration says changing CPI methodology could inflate monthly rates.

History

Historical Context

Argentina's economic turmoil has deep roots, with hyperinflation peaking at 5,000% in 1989 under President Carlos Menem, who introduced the Convertibility Plan to stabilize the economy. Today, protests against President Javier Milei's labor reforms reflect ongoing struggles over economic policy and worker rights, as inflation reached 32.9% last year, echoing a long history of economic mismanagement and public dissent.

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Workers Protest Reforms

Thousands of workers protested outside Argentina's Congress on February 11, 2026, against President Javier Milei's proposed labor reform bill.
Supporters say the bill will overhaul labor laws and boost job creation and foreign investment.
Unions say the proposals would undermine worker protections.
Inflation rose 2.9% in January 2026, complicating Milei's austerity measures.

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