Thousands protest against Argentine president

Thousands fill the streets of Buenos Aires, banging pots and pans in a traditional protest against President Christina Fernandez.

Activists say they're protesting high inflation rates, urban crime and recent restrictions on foreign currency exchanges.

Protesters the Fernandez administration is corrupt.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER, JORGE WARD, SAYING:

"We're protesting because of the deterioration of our institutions and their lack of independence, and against the subjugation of the courts. We have an economy headed by a crazy person. There's no finance ministry to speak of and there's uncertainty in practically every state institution."

The protest comes as the Argentine economy slows down after almost a decade of solid growth.

Mass protests against the economic policies of former President Fernando de la Rua led to the collapse of his government in 2001.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters