Argentine president unharmed after attack on vehicle

By Maria Paz Salas

SANTIAGO, Chile (AA) – Demonstrators on Wednesday smashed two windows of the car of Argentine President Mauricio Macri as he traveled in the southern province of Neuquen, officials said.

Macri was not injured in the incidents nor did it disrupt the president’s plans as he traveled to the opening of a tourist center in Villa Traful, a government statement said.

“The agenda of the Head of State continues in normal form,” according to the statement that did not identify the attackers.

Villa Traful Mayor Nicolas Lagos told a local television station the attackers were demonstrators from the Association of State Workers of Neuquen.

Neuquen Secretary General Carlos Quintriqueo denied workers attacked the car but acknowledged they have participated in demonstrations against the layoffs of some workers.

“We are not responsible for the stones,” Quintriqueo told local a newspaper and added that authorities would investigate what happened.

Argentina is grappling with economic turmoil as Macri has implemented adjustment measures to help deal with a recession.

The government has faced numerous demonstrations organized by unions and social groups that have protested increases in public service rates, inflation and layoffs. The country’s poverty rate is now more than 32 percent.