Sunday, September 20, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Argentina · Country watch

Milei Faces Protests; BCRA Slows Dollar Purchases

Protests against Milei's government intensify; central bank reduces dollar purchases, impacting currency reserves.

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Argentina are deteriorating due to intensified protests against President Milei and reduced dollar purchases by the central bank, which may increase market volatility.

In this briefing Javier Milei · Santiago Bausili · Central Bank of Argentina

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

  • public-sector

Protests Against Milei's Policies Across Argentina

a crowd of people standing around each other
Agustin Fernandez / Unsplash

Protests organized by left-wing parties, unions, and student groups took place in various cities across Argentina, including major gatherings in Plaza Congreso and Plaza de Mayo. The demonstrations, dubbed the 'Marcha de la Bronca', were aimed at expressing discontent with President Javier Milei's policies. Participants included political leaders, human rights organizations, and artists, according to Cronica and Perfil.com. Despite the large turnout, La Derecha Diario reports that the protests did not result in any immediate policy changes.

Impact Public-sector employers face disruptions as protests challenge Milei's policies.

Watch Monitor for potential calls for a general strike by unions.

Sources: Cronica ↗, Perfil.com ↗, La Derecha Diario ↗

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance

BCRA Slows Dollar Purchases in September

The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA), led by Santiago Bausili, has significantly slowed its dollar purchases, acquiring only U$S200 million so far in September. On Friday, the BCRA added U$S36 million, closing the week with U$S80 million in total purchases, according to La Gaceta. This slowdown in dollar acquisition reflects a cautious approach amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Impact Currency traders and importers face reduced dollar availability as BCRA slows purchases.

Watch Watch for BCRA's next monetary policy announcement.

Sources: La Gaceta ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • public-sector

Milei's Budget Bill Pauses Austerity Measures

President Javier Milei's new Budget bill indicates a pause in his aggressive austerity measures, known as the 'chainsaw', as he seeks re-election in October 2027. According to Buenos Aires Times, the bill suggests a more moderate fiscal approach in the coming year, likely to ease immediate austerity pressures on public-sector spending.

Impact Public-sector workers see reduced immediate austerity pressures as Milei moderates fiscal policy.

Watch Monitor upcoming budget debates in Congress.

Sources: Buenos Aires Times ↗

Also today in Argentina

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All Argentina briefings →

The same day elsewhere