Argentina's Buenos Aires deserted in general strike Published duration 6 April 2017

image copyright AFP image caption One of the main railway stations in Buenos Aires, Constitution, was deserted as the general strike kicked in.

The start of a 24 hour general strike in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, has shut down public transport, with demonstrators blocking city streets.

Unions said turnout was high as workers protested against job cuts and the economic policies of the conservative president, Mauricio Macri.

Protestors scuffled with police as President Macri hosted an economic forum for Latin American leaders.

About a third of Argentines are living in poverty.

image copyright AFP image caption 9 de Julio, one of the main avenues running through Buenos Aires city centre, was also near-empty.

image copyright EPA image caption Protesters called for wage increases in line with inflation - which was 40% last year and expected to be about 20% in 2017.

image copyright Reuters image caption Security forces used high-powered water cannon and tear gas to control protesters who blocked the main highway leading from the north to the capital, Buenos Aires.