Argentina: A night of Pot banging protests (updated)

by rahul | June 16, 2008 at 06:54 pm

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UPDATES: On Tuesday 17 June 2008, Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez announced that legislation on taxes opposed by farmers would be discussed in Parliament soon. This political move is aimed at allowing discussion of the issue by a wider range of local interests. Eventually,it could also provide further legitimacy to a supposedly unpopular measure. However, the announcement cause its toll. Argentinean bonds and share fell at financial markets. A pro government demonstration tomorro is expected in Buenos Aires.

Caracas, Venezuela, 16 June 2008. Tonight, pot bangings were heard in major Argentinean cities in protest for the continuation of the crisis between the government and farmers. Farmers opposed increased taxes over their agriculture exports.

This political protest was organized and coordinated by the opposition through text messages. It started at 8:00 pm all over and lasted more than the planned fifteen minutes. Protesters asked the Cristina Fernandez´administration to cede in her no negotiation position. There has been a crisis going on for the last 97 days. Farmers have blocked some roads causing food and petrol shortages in several cities and towns. On the other hand, the government plans to hold a demonstration in favour of President Fernandez on Wednesday at May Square, Buenos Aires. It has also denounced the continuing crisis as a coup attempt against President Cristina Fernandez.

Pot banging is rather meaningful in Argentina. In 2001, a President was forced to leave office after pot banging protests were followed by looting and street revolts. No wonder, the current government has expressed its opposition to such political expression of discontent.

Sources: Clarin, Unionradio, Globovision, BBC Mundo, Crónica, Cronista, La Nación, La Prensa, Página 12, RNA, Noticias Argentinas, Buenos Aires Herald, Aljazeera,