Argentina: Gov’t, farmers to rally over tax measure

With one day before Argentina’s legislature votes on a government-backed farm tax plan, separate rallies have been planned for and against the measure in Buenos Aires. Former President Nestor Kirchner is expected to lead one event this afternoon in support of his wife’s proposal to raise taxes on farm exports. Shortly afterwards, rural groups will have their own protest against the government in the northern Palermo neighborhood.

The controversy over farm taxes has been going on for several months and has included several strikes and blockades. Tomorrow’s vote is expected to be a very close one as tensions have grown over the debate:

“We are going head to head on this,'' (opposition Senator Maria Eugenia) Estenssoro told reporters in Buenos Aires yesterday. ``We want senators to vote their conscience and do what their supporters are asking of them''…

(Argentine president Cristina Kirchner) says $1.5 billion additional revenue generated by the increased taxes on grains and oilseeds will help Argentina build more hospitals and roads.

Image- lanacion.com

Sources (English)- Bloomberg, The Latin Americanist

Sources (Spanish)- Clarin, La Razon