In Argentina, workers, hit hard by economic malaise and rampant inflation are lining up at churches to ask St. Cayetano, the patron saint of bread and labor, for employment. The working class, in Argentina, is critical of politicians for not doing enough to help.
Unemployment in the South American country has risen to 6.9% in the first quarter, and in the meantime primary elections are set for upcoming weekend where the conservative opposition is expected to outperform the ruling Peronist coalition.
The economy in Argentina has dominated the run-up to the vote, with inflation of 116% hitting savings and salaries, while dwindling hard cash reserves, a sky-high interest rate. The Potentially weak peso currency and tight capital controls have dampened the economy and jobs.
Retiree Juan Mura, 58, said in Reuters report, that many people have come from other parts of the country to ask for work. “People are asking saints because they can’t ask the politicians. I would like the politicians to come here and see the reality of the people,” he said.
Armando Villar, 44, a daily wage labourer seemed a bit hopeful. He said he had come to pray to St. Cayetano church for years and he hadn’t been let down so far, despite the country’s long-running economic woes. “I’ve been coming here for many years,” he said. “It’s the satisfaction of being here in this place and the truth for me at least is that the saint never abandoned me,” he adds further.
Argentina has been in economic difficulty for years, and many people now live in poverty. The government has been trying to stem price rises by capping the prices of food and other products, but the food and beverages sectors saw the most dramatic recent increase, with prices growing by 9.8% in February compared to January 2023.
According to a BBC report, Argentina’s inflation rate soared past 100% for the first time since the end of hyperinflation in the early 90s. This means that the price of many consumer goods has more than doubled since 2022.
These soaring inflation rates have long been felt in Argentina, with protesters taking to the streets to demand action to counter rising costs of living. The government has long tried to contain inflation, but divisions have marred the country’s economic policy.
