The CGT between the next protest and the discomfort by Facundo Moyano

The Confederación General de Trabajadores (CGT) is preparing for another demonstration this Thursday, August 20, as part of its ongoing campaign against economic policies under President Javier Milei. The union plans to occupy the surroundings of the Ministry of Economy, demanding support for families and small businesses burdened by high interest rates and debt. This move comes amid internal tensions within the organization over the recent controversy surrounding its leader, Facundo Moyano, who faces legal action related to allegations of gender-based violence. Moyano’s case has sparked heated discussions among CGT leaders in recent days. His alleged involvement in a violent incident with his partner, Candela Arizaga, in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires has been described as having caused discomfort within the organization. Some members have expressed concern over the negative publicity and the potential damage to the image of the labor movement. While some argue that Moyano's influence within the CGT is limited given the size of his union, others believe the situation could further erode the already fragile reputation of the broader gremialist movement. The CGT’s planned protest is framed around the issue of rising household debt and financial instability, which has become a focal point of public discontent. According to data released by the Central Bank in June, the overall non-financial private sector debt delinquency rate stood at 7.6%, up slightly from 7.7% in May. For households, the figure climbed to 12.7%, while for companies, it remained at 3.5%. These statistics underscore the growing financial strain on Argentine citizens, particularly in the context of Milei’s austerity measures and deregulation of financial markets. The CGT will join forces with other labor organizations, including the Confederación de Trabajadores de la Argentina (CTA) and the Unión de los Trabajadores de la Economía Popular (UTEP). The participation of these groups highlights the broad coalition forming around the demand for greater regulation of financial institutions. According to Hugo Yasky, a member of the CTA and a national deputy for Unión por la Patria, nearly six million individuals are currently behind on their debts. He attributes this crisis to the deregulation of interest rates initiated by the government, which he claims allowed banks and digital wallets to offer loans at unsustainable rates. Yasky criticized the financial system for creating a disparity between lending rates and deposit rates, turning the process into a profitable venture for financial institutions. He called for stricter oversight of virtual wallets and fintech platforms, accusing them of exploiting vulnerable workers who lack access to traditional credit. The UTEP echoed these concerns, labeling such entities as usurers taking advantage of the precarious conditions faced by informal workers and social movements. In addition to its economic demands, the CGT is also addressing the political fallout from Moyano’s case. Internal sources suggest that the incident has created divisions within the leadership, with some members expressing frustration over the public scrutiny and the perceived lack of control over the organization’s image. Despite these challenges, the CGT continues to mobilize, using media campaigns to bring attention to the issues affecting working-class families. As preparations for the protest continue, the focus remains on both economic justice and the need for accountability within the labor movement itself.