Southern Cone in February 2026: the most important developments in society
In Argentina, February 2026 was marked by a general strike against President Javier Milei's labor reform on February 19. The strike paralyzed trains and subways in Argentina, and flights were cancelled at airports in Brazil, including Guarulhos and Galeão. Earlier, on February 12, protesters had clashed with police over the plan to restrict labor rights.
Milei was also at the center of other disputes. On February 5 he created an office to counter what he called media lies, and on February 18 the government issued safety guidelines for the reporting of protests. Late in the month he clashed with business leaders over corruption claims and a dispute over tire prices. Earlier, his decision to move the saber of General San Martín drew controversy, and his handling of wildfires in Patagonia was criticized.
Natural events were also reported: a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in northern Chile on February 12, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Mar del Plata on February 19, and a storm that flooded Buenos Aires on February 24. An Argentine boy was swept away by floodwaters in Paraguay.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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