The CGT march failed: low turnout and a successful security operation

On April 9, 2025, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) called for a march in front of the National Congress, supposedly to support retirees in their demands for improvements in their benefits and to protest against the successful economic policies of Javier Milei's Government.

However, what was expected to be a massive demonstration of union strength was far from it. The mobilization, which began at noon, failed to gather the crowds that the labor union often mentions in its speeches. Images of the event show a rather modest turnout, with large empty spaces contrasting with the inflated expectations of the organizers.

The presence of the CGT at the march, alongside the left, also left much to be desired. The main union leaders made a brief, almost ceremonial appearance, which seemed more intended to fulfill the photo op than to lead a strong protest.

Just a few hours after the mobilization began, the CGT leadership withdrew from the scene, leaving the few remaining protesters without the visible support of their leaders. This lukewarm attitude reinforces the idea that the march was merely a symbolic gesture, in a context where the CGT faces a severe internal crisis.

What did stand out during the day was the successful security operation deployed by Javier Milei's Government. The security forces, coordinated with precision, ensured that the protest proceeded without incidents or disturbances, something that has not always been the norm in such mobilizations in Argentina.

Strategically blocked streets, discreet yet effective police presence, and planning that prioritized public order allowed the march to take place in a calm environment, despite attempts to escalate tensions by the protesters.

Additionally, in this context and surprisingly, Héctor Daer announced that he will not continue for a new term at the helm of the CGT. The news had a strong impact in the union sphere since it became known, as it opens the way for a leadership change in the labor union, which will be defined at the authority election congress scheduled for November.

Until now, however, several union leaders believed that Daer was working on building an internal agreement to assume as the sole general secretary of the CGT, instead of the current shared leadership model.