Thousands protest against government in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina  — Thousands of Argentines are protesting against the government of President Cristina Fernandez. But with only days left before a primary election tests her support, the crowds are much smaller than in previous pot-banging street protests.

Thursday night marks the end of campaigning ahead of Sunday's vote, but a huge and deadly gas explosion in Rosario prompted politicians to cancel final campaign rallies, and deflated the protesters' plans.

"Let's shake things up" was the theme of the marches, taken from Pope Francis' speech to Argentines in Rio de Janeiro. Their signs condemned corruption, inflation and unchecked presidential power.

Martin Insaurralde leads the ruling party's slate for congress. He said Thursday that the government's opponents are proposing plans that have proven to be failures.