Crisis política
16/07/08 22:58 Filed in: Argentina | Buenos Aires
For the last 5 months the government here led by Cristina Kirchner has been involved in a prolonged dispute with rural interests over increased export taxes on soya and wheat amongst others.
The ruralistas have blocked roads and staged frequent demonstrations. The government decided to let congress decide and won in the house of deputies. Last night the senate, after voting at around 03:30 was evenly split. Vice president Cobos, supposedly a supporter of the government, cast his deciding vote against the taxes.
I was still up when the caceroleros began. Normally these signify a protest against the government. This area Palermo/Recoleta does not appear to be supportive of the government and the caceroleros were celebrating. I turned on the tele and sure enough the government had lost.
Caceroleros register their state of dissent by taking to the streets (or hanging out of windows) and banging saucepans. They make a lot of noise. This you tube video, made earlier in the year, catches the mood.
The ruralistas have blocked roads and staged frequent demonstrations. The government decided to let congress decide and won in the house of deputies. Last night the senate, after voting at around 03:30 was evenly split. Vice president Cobos, supposedly a supporter of the government, cast his deciding vote against the taxes.
I was still up when the caceroleros began. Normally these signify a protest against the government. This area Palermo/Recoleta does not appear to be supportive of the government and the caceroleros were celebrating. I turned on the tele and sure enough the government had lost.
Caceroleros register their state of dissent by taking to the streets (or hanging out of windows) and banging saucepans. They make a lot of noise. This you tube video, made earlier in the year, catches the mood.