In Argentina, groups keep lid on simmering social conflict
...a country with one of the world’s highest inflation rates and 37% of its population mired in poverty.
...
...
...58% annual inflation, which economists say could grow to 70 percent, or higher, by the end of the year.
Jesus Christ, I'm about to revolt over 8% inflation.
...
...millions of Argentines who survive largely thanks to soup kitchens and state welfare programs, many of which are funneled through politically powerful social movements linked to the ruling party.
...These organizations and assistance programs keep a lid on simmering social unrest in Argentina. Without them, “everything would blow up,” said Jorge Cabral, a member of the Frente Popular Darío Santillán, which opened the Little Lions soup kitchen.
...
Such organizations have long been present in Argentina but they grew and became more powerful at the end of 2001, when the country suffered the worst economic collapse in its history that plunged half the population into poverty. They continue to hold influence and people rely on them for a myriad of welfare programs to subsist.
What the fuck happened to them in 2001?
...over the past few weeks, when social organizations held large street protests demanding more work and higher wages.
...
...galloping inflation is making it harder and harder for the poorest members of society to survive.
