How Milei's 'chainsaw' cuts have hit the most vulnerable

Argentinians are used to the large rubbish containers in Buenos Aires.

- Tiago Rogero BUENOS AIRES

A more observant passerby, however, might notice a recent addition: a red warning reading "Danger, do not enter", accompanied by a pictogram showing a person halfway inside.

"Unfortunately, it's a safety measure," said Evelyn Bierbrauer, who works with Manos Abiertas, an NGO supporting people experiencing homelessness. "Many people were taking refuge inside the containers - to look for food and even to spend the night there," she added.

There were at least 4,522 people living on the streets of Buenos Aires in May, according to the latest municipal data - a figure some say is underestimated, but still a 38% increase compared with November 2023.

Since the far-right president, Javier Milei, took office in December 2023 and implemented his "chainsaw" austerity plan, inflation has fallen from more than 200% to about 30% annually - but more than 200,000 formal jobs have been lost, 18,000 businesses have closed, household debt has risen and buying power has collapsed.