Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Buenos Aires in response to Argentina's new president, Javier Milei, announcing a far-reaching emergency decree containing numerous controversial economic measures. The decree, unveiled during a televised address, sparked outrage among opposition groups and ordinary citizens.

Milei, a radical libertarian economist who took office less than a fortnight ago, campaigned on promises of revitalizing Argentina's struggling economy plagued by rampant inflation and widespread poverty. His decree, dubbed the "chainsaw" plan, outlined a series of bold measures aimed at pulling the country out of what he called "the economic hell we are now living through."

One of the most contentious elements of the decree was the privatization of state-owned companies, which drew opposition from those concerned about potential job losses and the impact on the economy. Additionally, workers' rights, including maternity leave, were to be curtailed, while export limits were to be lifted. Changes to housing rental and land ownership laws were proposed to attract foreign investment, and Milei even mentioned modifications to the satellite internet market to allow for the entry of companies like Starlink, endorsed by right-wing billionaire Elon Musk.

Supporters of Milei's populist agenda, often drawing comparisons to Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, expressed jubilation at the president's policies. However, the opposition and many ordinary citizens vehemently opposed the measures, leading to spontaneous protests. Balconies were filled with people banging pots and pans, and roads were blocked in various parts of the capital as thousands of outraged protesters gathered outside congress, where Milei was inaugurated.

Chants filled the air, with protesters labeling Milei as a dictator and condemning his actions as worse than those of previous governments, including the military dictatorship. Prominent critics from the leftist and progressive political spectrum denounced the decree as a battle plan against working people and called for an immediate nationwide strike.

Prior to Milei's announcement, a march against his government had taken place, met with a massive police presence due to the administration's vow to crackdown on road blockades. However, it was the president's televised address that ignited a significant surge of anger among the demonstrators, who carried kitchen utensils, whistles, and Argentine flags as symbols of protest.

Despite the protest, Milei dismissed the significance of the demonstration, suggesting that the participants suffered from Stockholm syndrome and were not representative of the majority of Argentines. He hinted at more drastic action to come, leaving the critics and opposition wary of what lies ahead in the face of the controversial economic decree.

As tensions continue to escalate and opposing factions clash, the political landscape in Argentina remains in a state of turmoil. It is yet to be seen how Milei's decree and the ensuing protests will impact the country's economy and its citizens' wellbeing in the long run.