Argentines flood streets in anti-government protest

Hundreds of thousands of Argentines have taken to the streets in broad protest of President Cristina Fernandez’s policies. Concerns are mounting over possibilities she may amend the constitution to seek a third term.

Angered by rising inflation, violent crime and high-profile corruption, and worried that President Cristina Fernandez will try to hold onto power indefinitely by ending constitutional term limits, the protesters marched on an iconic obelisk in the city, chanting: “We’re not afraid”.

Demonstrators reached the presidential residence banging on pots, whistling and holding banners that read: “Stop the wave of Argentines killed by crime, enough with corruption and say no to the constitutional reform”.

It was thought to be the country’s largest anti-government protest in more than a decade.

“The people don’t feel represented by anyone,” said protest organiser Mariana Torres, an accountant and mother-of-three.

“It’s a complaint everyone has. The people are begging for the opposition to rise up, and for the government to listen.”

President Fernandez was re-elected by a landslide to a second term in 2011.

Her approval ratings have since dropped and protests against some of her policies have mounted.

Official figures say inflation is at 12%, but analysts say it is probably much higher.

The International Monetary Fund warned Argentina in September that unless it produced reliable growth and inflation data by December, it could face sanctions.

The government says the slowdown of the Argentine economy is the fault of the global financial crisis rather than its policies.

Supporters of President Fernandez say the protests are driven by people from the middle and upper class worried about losing their privileges.