Argentina Tactical: Protests in support of, against President Milei slated in front of Congreso de la Nacion in Buenos Aires from 21:00 (local time) on March 1; maintain heightened vigilance

Feb 2024

8:35 UTC

According to reports, President Javier Milei is slated to deliver a speech to the Camara de Diputados (Chamber of Deputies) at the Congreso de la Nacion, in Buenos Aires, from 21:00 (local time) on March 1. This will mark the first address of the President to the legislature since his inauguration on December 10, 2023.
Social movements, political parties, and piquetero groups, including the Frente de Izquierda, the Partido Obrero, Polo Obrero, and Unidad Piquetera, are expected to participate in protests outside the Congreso to denounce the policies and presidency of Milei, and to call for the dismissal of the Decreto de Necesidad y Urgencia (DNU) on March 1.
Additionally, demonstrators associated with La Libertad Avanza, the ruling political alliance, and Lideres Liberales, a liberal political group active in the Buenos Aires province, are slated to assemble in front of the Congreso in a show of support for Milei’s policies and government on the same day.
While specific timings pertaining to the slated demonstrations are unknown as of writing, demonstrators, both in support of and against the Milei government, are expected to assemble from the evening hours onward, before President Milei’s address to the Camara de Diputados at 21:00.

Based on recent anti-Milei protests, coupled with the mobilizational capabilities of the organizers, the upcoming demonstration against the incumbent administration is expected to draw a turnout in the high hundreds-to-low thousands. Conversely, the pro-Milei protest will likely attract a turnout in the mid-to-high hundreds.
Given the heightened sentiments over economic measures including the controversial DNU and Milei’s handling of negotiations with state bodies and labor unions, coupled with the anti-picket security protocol, the protests carry a credible potential for localized clashes between security forces and protesters. Should activists erect vehicular blockades, security officials are liable to resort to forcible dispersal methods, including the use of water cannons and tear gas. Additionally, calls for demonstrations in support of Milei’s government are likely to elevate the potential for clashes between Milei’s supporters and anti-Milei protesters.
With this, a bolstered security presence can be expected near the Congreso de la Nacion and the surrounding thoroughfares in Buenos Aires. Pre-emptive road closures are also likely during the night hours on March 1.
In addition, public transportation, especially transport lines leading to stations in the vicinity of the Congreso de la Nacion, are likely to be overcrowded during the evening and night hours, with individuals seeking to participate in the two slated demonstrations outside the Congreso on March 1.

Those operating or residing in Buenos Aires on March 1 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance due to the potential for localized unrest amid the slated demonstrations in front of the Congreso de la Nacion during the evening and night hours.
Allot for disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the vicinity of the Congreso de la Nacion due to increased security measures.

Low

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Medium

Credible

According to reports, President Javier Milei is slated to deliver a speech to the Camara de Diputados (Chamber of Deputies) at the Congreso de la Nacion, in Buenos Aires, from 21:00 (local time) on March 1. This will mark the first address of the President to the legislature since his inauguration on December 10, 2023.
Social movements, political parties, and piquetero groups, including the Frente de Izquierda, the Partido Obrero, Polo Obrero, and Unidad Piquetera, are expected to participate in protests outside the Congreso to denounce the policies and presidency of Milei, and to call for the dismissal of the Decreto de Necesidad y Urgencia (DNU) on March 1.
Additionally, demonstrators associated with La Libertad Avanza, the ruling political alliance, and Lideres Liberales, a liberal political group active in the Buenos Aires province, are slated to assemble in front of the Congreso in a show of support for Milei’s policies and government on the same day.
While specific timings pertaining to the slated demonstrations are unknown as of writing, demonstrators, both in support of and against the Milei government, are expected to assemble from the evening hours onward, before President Milei’s address to the Camara de Diputados at 21:00.

Based on recent anti-Milei protests, coupled with the mobilizational capabilities of the organizers, the upcoming demonstration against the incumbent administration is expected to draw a turnout in the high hundreds-to-low thousands. Conversely, the pro-Milei protest will likely attract a turnout in the mid-to-high hundreds.
Given the heightened sentiments over economic measures including the controversial DNU and Milei’s handling of negotiations with state bodies and labor unions, coupled with the anti-picket security protocol, the protests carry a credible potential for localized clashes between security forces and protesters. Should activists erect vehicular blockades, security officials are liable to resort to forcible dispersal methods, including the use of water cannons and tear gas. Additionally, calls for demonstrations in support of Milei’s government are likely to elevate the potential for clashes between Milei’s supporters and anti-Milei protesters.
With this, a bolstered security presence can be expected near the Congreso de la Nacion and the surrounding thoroughfares in Buenos Aires. Pre-emptive road closures are also likely during the night hours on March 1.
In addition, public transportation, especially transport lines leading to stations in the vicinity of the Congreso de la Nacion, are likely to be overcrowded during the evening and night hours, with individuals seeking to participate in the two slated demonstrations outside the Congreso on March 1.

Those operating or residing in Buenos Aires on March 1 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance due to the potential for localized unrest amid the slated demonstrations in front of the Congreso de la Nacion during the evening and night hours.
Allot for disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the vicinity of the Congreso de la Nacion due to increased security measures.

Low

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Medium

Credible

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