BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—The sound of dozens of car horns filled the air as thousands of protesters from socialist unions blocked three main avenues in Buenos Aires near Plaza de Mayo in front of the office of President Alberto Fernandez on Aug. 4.
It has become part of the city’s background noise in recent months, just one in a string of massive demonstrations since government cuts to the nation’s generous subsidy programs began in June.
Amid the country’s soaring inflation and poverty come the persistent threats from demonstration organizers—known locally as piqueteros—to shut down businesses and roads until the government relents and increases welfare subsidies….