Argentina's new president lays off 5,000 government employees hired in 2023, before he took office
ABC News
The administration of Argentine President Javier Milei says the government won’t renew contracts for more than 5,000 employees hired this year before he took office
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- The administration of Argentina's new President Javier Milei said on Tuesday that his government won’t renew contracts for more than 5,000 employees hired this year before he took office.
The move was part of a sweeping plan of cutbacks and devaluations announced by the right-wing libertarian since he took office on Dec. 10 to transform Argentina’s struggling economy.
The contracts for other government employees, who were hired prior to 2023, will be reviewed, authorities said. The 2023 cutoff is apparently meant to target the practice of outgoing presidents padding the payrolls in their final year.
With inflation expected to reach about 200% by the end of the year, Milei has pledged to reduce government regulations and payrolls, and allow the privatization of state-run industries as a way to boost exports and investment.
The cutbacks have already drawn protests but Milei has vowed to forge ahead.
