Economist and former vice-presidential candidate Javier González Fraga praised the Government’s decision to end utility subsidies on corporations. “Subsidies today benefit those who have the most and are in a condition to pay full fares,” Alfonsin’s former running mate explained.
The European Central Bank cut its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.25 percent as the euro zone's worsening debt crisis outweighed the concern over persistently high inflation.
President Barack Obama sought to boost pressure on Republican lawmakers to back an extension of a tax cut for US workers that he views as vital to help the fragile economy.
US House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, in a telephone conversation with President Barack Obama, reiterated his chamber's opposition to a Senate-passed two-month extension of a payroll tax cut, a Boehner aide said.
Protesters barricaded roads and burned tires in parts of Chile's capital as a two-day national strike began against unpopular President Sebastian Piñera, but mining in the world's top copper producer was not disrupted.