The Government of the City of Buenos Aires (CABA) today evicted a thousand street vendors (manteros) who were selling illegally in the Mataderos neighborhood, specifically in Parque Alberdi and on Lisandro de la Torre Avenue. The operation was carried out in response to complaints from local residents and business owners. As a result, squares and sidewalks were cleared to facilitate the free circulation of residents and the cleanliness of public space. According to the authorities, these operations aim to put an end to a situation that causes disorder, affects security and cleanliness in the neighborhood, and in this case, created unfair competition for the authorized vendors in Juan Bautista Alberdi Park. The occupation of public space generates insecurity in neighborhoods, dirt, and unfair competition for merchants. "When there is political will, every time a zone is cleared, the street vendors do not return," stated the government. In addition to evictions from squares and parks, since the beginning of the current administration, more than 470 occupied properties have been recovered and returned to their owners. Illegal markets at Jorge Newbery Aeroparque, Plaza Lavalle, and the Congress, as well as the illegal fair on Perette Street in Retiro, were also dismantled. These actions have benefited an estimated 1.6 million residents and business owners. In this regard, Head of Government Jorge Macri stated: "I made a very clear commitment to the people of Buenos Aires and I am fulfilling it: we continue to restore order in the city. Public space is not negotiable, it belongs to the residents." The operation was supervised by the Chief of Cabinet, Gabriel Sánchez Zinny, and the Minister of Security, Horacio Giménez. The street vendors occupied areas of the traditional park and also set up their stalls on Lisandro de la Torre Avenue between José Enrique Rodó and Avenida de los Corrales, and on Directorio Avenue between Lisandro de la Torre Avenue and Murguiondo. On weekends, they sold clothing, used goods, tools, toys, and food, harming registered sellers. The area officially hosts two artisan fairs: in Parque Avellaneda, with 92 stalls, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; and in Parque Alberdi, with 170 stalls, on Sundays and holidays. The operation was led by the City Police, along with personnel from the Ministry of Public Space and Urban Hygiene, which handled coordination. Itinerant Supply Fair No. 10 (FIAB) was also set up at Basualdo 800, between Manuel Artigas and Juan Bautista Alberdi Avenue. This was the twelfth major operation to evict more than 17,000 street vendors in key areas of the city, such as Once (the entire area around the station), Parque Centenario, Constitución, Chacarita, Parque Patricios, Liniers, Parque Saavedra, Flores (on Avenida Avellaneda and neighboring streets), and now Mataderos.
