Argentina: President Macri's reforms denounced by protesters Published duration 30 April 2016

image copyright AP image caption The protest brought much of central Buenos Aires to a standstill as demonstrators beat drums and chanted

Thousands of Argentines have staged a noisy protest against job cuts imposed under President Mauricio Macri's economic reforms.

The demonstration was organised by two major labour unions, the CGT and CTA, who united against the president's cuts to spending and public sector jobs.

The unions say that 100,000 workers have lost their jobs in the public and private sectors since President Macri came to power.

But the president argues that tough reforms are necessary to restore Argentina's damaged economy.

image copyright Reuters image caption The unions want the president to reduce soaring inflation which has driven up the price of food and other essentials

image copyright AFP image caption Private and public sector workers took part in Friday's march - they plan another demonstration on Sunday to mark International Workers' Day

image copyright AFP image caption Unions say 100,000 workers have lost their jobs in the public and private sectors since President Macri came to power

image copyright Reuters image caption Private and public sector workers took part in Friday's demonstration

image copyright AP image caption The workers were protesting against skyrocketing consumer prices and job cuts

image copyright AP image caption Some of the demonstrators carried signs which read: "No more layoffs"

image copyright AFP image caption The workers are also unhappy over the president's moves to raise utility prices and pass financial reforms which they say are damaging their spending power