People were not only protesting against banking restrictions but also demanded corrupt politicians to resign. Although corruption has been part of Buenos Aires since it was established (Spanish trade regulations forbade direct transatlantic trade with Buenos Aires and made it's citizens turn to contraband) it was taken to a new level by the military dictatorship of General Videla. It is said that just on the 1978 World Cup Videla and his generals made 300 million dollars. In the country's period of new democracy various officials in former President Carlos Menem's cabinet were also accused of corruption, including money laundering and the illegal drugs trade. While his successor former President de la Rua promised to stamp out corruption he was unable to change this old habit.
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