Versión Español
EspañolIn a series of 47 tweets published on Saturday, September 13, Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner accused union and opposition leaders of plotting to incite social unrest in the country. The president said she expects them to target the month of December, but later added she believes a “preview” of those demonstrations could take place sometime before.
“You know what? Yesterday, I was thinking that I wouldn’t be surprised if it occurred to them to plan sort of matinee to the December performance while I’m away in Rome on invitation from Pope Francis, or during the week when I’ll be at the United Nations,” wrote the president through her Twitter account.
… pero que advertía, que parece ser que algunos están preparando una matiné para los próximos días, o tal vez en octubre, o en noviembre?
— Cristina Kirchner (@CFKArgentina) September 13, 2014
…dije que “alguno” está anunciando un estallido para diciembre y que se trata de una función más de la actuación q se repite todos los años
— Cristina Kirchner (@CFKArgentina) September 13, 2014
“The president said that if inflation reached 25 percent, Argentina would explode,” said Luis Barrionuev, leader of one of the largest national trade unions in the country. “She said that and now we’re heading toward 40 percent inflation. So, the president herself is the one who foreshadowed what’s to come. That’s why I say she doesn’t know where she’s standing,” said the union leader.
“The conflicts will accelerate; problems will accelerate; money will continue to diminish,” he added.
Following these statements, Barrionuevo was summoned to appear in court on suspicion of “seditious activity.”
“Barrionuevo and some others among the alarmist sectors of society are walking around with a gasoline and matches so Argentina will set itself on fire,” said Defense Minister Agustín Rossi.
In response, Barrionuevo said he was not “predicting” social unrest, but simply reciting the president’s own words. “The president should be talking about inflation, unemployment, how to change the direction of the economy. [She should be talking about] how to put an end to layoffs and suspensions, not attacking businessmen one day, vulture funds another day, and then union leaders and journalists on another.”
December has historically been a sensitive month for Argentineans. In December of 2012 and 2013, a series of incidents involving looting and clashes with police sprang up across the country. Following deep economic crisis in 2001, massive protests broke out in December of that year, ending with the resignation of President Fernando de la Rúa.
