Hunger strikes and protests have emerged as emotional forms of resistance against injustice in the vivid tapestry of Argentine politics, where dissatisfaction is loudly echoing. The people, who are struggling with social inequity and economic unrest, are at the centre of this uproar, with residents taking to the streets to demand accountability and systemic reform. Libertarian president Javier Milei has been the primary target of criticism. Less than three months into his term, Milei’s administration has imposed several measures that undermine and directly affect essential social services, such as cutting government funding. Soup kitchens, which are necessary services for many impoverished Argentinians, are among the victims of these cuts. Liliana Soledad Loto, a chef at the Padre Mugica soup kitchen in Merlo, affirms that the demand for food has doubled in recent months. The plight of those seeking assistance is part of a bigger crisis gripping the nation, where even those with stable incomes find themselves unable to make ends meet. The Padre Mugica soup kitchen is just one of approximately 38,000 social organizations catering to the needs of around ten million Argentinians. However, advocates warn that the true extent of food insecurity may be even higher, with informal support systems in marginalized areas often going uncounted.
Tensions have reached a boiling point in the face of escalating needs and decreasing resources. Outrage erupted when Sandra Pettovello, head of the Ministry of Human Capital, clashed with protesters demanding assistance. Pettovello’s ministry oversees the distribution of federal funds for social programs, funds that have been curtailed under Milei’s administration in a bid to reduce federal debt. According to Pettovello, rather than using “problematic” middlemen as an intermediary, citizens should approach the government directly for assistance. She then refused to help anyone who came to her office, giving a minimal payment to just two organizations connected to her church as compensation for the loss. Diego Markus, a social leader working in soup kitchens, disputes the government’s narrative of mismanagement, arguing that community organizations are being unfairly stigmatized. The consequences of these cuts are stark. With inflation soaring and poverty rates reaching alarming levels, soup kitchens like Padre Mugica in Merlo are struggling to keep their doors open.
The situation is particularly dire for children, for whom malnutrition poses lifelong consequences. As the government warns of even tougher times ahead, activists are calling for urgent action to address the hunger crisis. Protests have erupted across the country, with demonstrators demanding that the government prioritize the food emergency over settling government debt. From banging pots and pans to blocking streets, the people of Argentina are making their voices heard, refusing to accept hunger and starvation as a sacrifice for political desires. Amidst this tumult, Argentinian women from all walks of life took part in a march on March 8th, International Women’s Day. Led by groups like La Poderosa, the protesters called for an end to growing nationwide poverty, which already affects 57% of the population of 46 million. For María Claudia Albornoz, an activist from La Poderosa, the “most important demand” of the feminist strike is a solution to Argentina’s “food emergency.” Food security intersects as a feminist concern due to systemic gender disparities that limit women’s access to resources and decision-making authority. This directly effects their capacity to provide enough sustenance for themselves and their families. The urgency of their message is underscored by the staggering statistics: Argentina’s ever-increasing food inflation has reached 56%, with the country’s food inflation rate soaring to 254%.
In the face of adversity, the people of Argentina have united in their determination to fight for justice and equality. From soup kitchens to the streets, their voices ring out as a powerful reminder that the struggle for a better future is far from over.
Edited by Jamie Silverman
Angie Gjika is a passionate writer contributing to Catalyst. She is currently immersed in her 4th year of studies at McGill University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in International Development Studies and a minor in Sociology. Angie is particularly interested in politics of the Middle East, the Balkans and transitional justice!