Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Buenos Aires and other cities across Argentina to protest President Javier Milei’s recent comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos. During his speech on January 23, Milei criticized progressive movements like “wokeism,” feminism, and other social ideals.
The protest, organized by the LGBTQ+ community, was named the “Federal March of Anti-Fascist and Anti-Racist Pride.” Participants, many holding rainbow flags and banners with slogans like “rights are not negotiable,” gathered to oppose what they see as the economic and political repression under Milei’s leadership. Various rights organizations, unions, and political groups also joined the demonstration.
In his speech, Milei condemned “wokeism” and dismissed social welfare, feminism, identity politics, and the fight against climate change. He even went so far as to label extreme gender ideology as “child abuse.”
Germán Paladino, an industrial engineer and protester, expressed that Milei’s government was neglecting important public issues like healthcare and education. Instead, he claimed, the government was focusing on attacking people’s private lives.
Germán Paladino acknowledged that while the march might not bring immediate change, it could serve to challenge the aggressive remarks made by Javier Milei.
Milagros, a 33-year-old visual artist, emphasized that she was participating in the protest to defend the rights that have been won over time, as well as those that are now under threat.
In recent years, Argentina has passed progressive laws recognizing sexual diversity and marriage equality, among other rights.
