Thousands of Argentines took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday to protest a decree of
sweeping economic reform and deregulation proposed by President Javier Milei.
Marching at the behest of labor unions, the protesters demanded the courts intervene to
invalidate the mega-decree they say would carve away at worker and consumer protections.

Congress is sitting in an extraordinary session this week, at the request of ultra-libertarian Milei -
- in office since December 10 -- to consider the plan.
The decree would change or scrap more than 350 economic regulations in a country accustomed
to heavy government intervention in the market.
Among others, it abolishes a price ceiling on rent, eliminates some worker protections and scraps
laws shielding consumers from abusive price increases at a time annual inflation exceeds 160
percent and the poverty level has surpassed 40 percent.
A number of civic groups on Saturday filed a judicial motion to have the decree declared
unconstitutional.

On Wednesday, protesters waved Argentine flags and placards reading: "The homeland is not for
sale."
"We do not question the legitimacy of President Milei, but we want him to respect the division of
powers. Workers need to defend their rights when there is an unconstitutionality," construction
union leader Gerardo Martinez told reporters at the march.
Milei's "chainsaw plan" to cut state spending has triggered a series of street protests against the
government.
(With inputs from agencies)