"It has to be a crime, not a misdemeanor": after the incidents due to the labor reform, Jorge Macri called to toughen penalties and labeled the violent as "animals"
Jorge Macri, the head of the Buenos Aires government, called for violent acts during labor reform protests to be classified as crimes instead of misdemeanors following incidents in Plaza Congreso.
Following serious incidents in Plaza Congreso during Senate discussions on labor reform, Jorge Macri, the Buenos Aires city head, urged that violent acts against public property be deemed criminal offenses. He emphasized that the individuals causing disruption should not be referred to as protesters but rather as criminals disrupting democratic processes. Macri's comments indicate a strong stance against the small but violent groups that engage in such activities, which he believes have a premeditated plan to harm people and property.
In an interview, Macri pointed out that there is a pattern of violence during protests, suggesting that such actions reflect a need for stricter legal consequences. He announced his intention to propose legislation to increase penalties for those involved in destruction during protests, moving beyond current misdemeanor classifications. This shift in legal framing aims to deter future incidents by establishing clearer consequences for violent behavior in public demonstrations.
The implications of Macri's statements could lead to significant changes in how protests are managed in Buenos Aires, with a potential focus on harsher penalties for disruptive actions. This stance may resonate with constituents who are concerned about public safety and the rule of law but raises questions about the balance between maintaining order and protecting the right to peaceful protest. As the situation develops, it may influence both public opinion and legislative action surrounding civil disobedience in Argentina.