In recent months, Argentina has witnessed a significant change in the dynamics of social protests, especially with regard to picketers. Traditionally, these groups have been known for their street blockades and demonstrations as a form of pressure to obtain social and economic benefits.
However, in the last four months, there have been no street blockades, which marks a notable change in their strategy and power. This change is due to several factors. First, the government of Javier Milei has implemented policies that have significantly reduced the power of the picketers.
One of Milei’s campaign promises was to end extortion and roadblocks, and it seems that he has kept his promise. Since coming to power, an anti-picket protocol has been established that regulates the way protests are carried out.
This protocol has been endorsed by various judicial bodies and has changed the paradigm of street protests. In addition, the government has implemented Line 134, a tool for beneficiaries of social plans to report the coercion to which they were subjected by some social leaders in order to attend the marches.
This line has allowed the authorities to identify and act against those who used coercive tactics to mobilise people. Another important factor has been the change in the management of social plans. Previously, the picketers They had significant control over the distribution of these plans, which gave them considerable power over the communities they represented.
However, the new government has centralised the management of social plans, eliminating the control that the piqueteros had over them. This has reduced their ability to mobilise large groups of people and weakened their influence.
Complaints
Allegations of extortion and coercion have also played a crucial role in diminishing the power of the piqueteros. In recent months, several leaders have picketers They have been investigated by the federal courts on charges of extorting beneficiaries of social programs to participate in demonstrations and sell products distributed by social programs.
These investigations have resulted in raids and arrests, which has further weakened these organizations. Argentine society has also shown a change in its perception of the piqueteros. According to several social leaders, people who used to mobilize and march are disenchanted and no longer trust social leaders.
