Deserted restaurants, store liquidations, constant food price rises and empty pockets have become a daily struggle in Buenos Aires as Argentines cope with soaring prices. Despite slower consumer price increases for a third consecutive month in March to 11 percent, annual inflation still remains sky-high at more than 287 percent. "Something had to be done because with the previous government things were going to explode, it was a ticking bomb," salesman Roberto Guado says, "but this one went too far." Utra-liberal President Javier Milei's draconian economic steps in Argentina, aiming to eliminate the deficit by the end of the year, have severely eroded the purchasing power of Argentines, particularly pensioners. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES