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A spate of looting across Argentina has claimed two lives.

The trouble erupted on Thursday and spread quickly across the country into Friday.

Several hundred people have been arrested.

The government says the attacks are not random.

SOUNDBITE: CABINET CHIEF, JUAN MANUEL ABAL MEDINA, SAYING (Spanish):

"They're isolated incidents, clearly planned and organised. We don't see anyone taking food. They're taking LCD televisions and alcohol. These acts must be condemned and a clear signal sent out so everyone knows that nothing will be achieved by these means in Argentina."

But Hugo Moyano of the CGT union says the government is hinting that opposition unions are masterminding the chaos, which he denies.

SOUNDBITE: HUGO MOYANO, CGT SECRETARY GENERAL, SAYING (Spanish):

"I think the president is out of step, the problems have overwhelmed the government and she is unable to see the reality. She doesn't respond to any legitimate demands. Instead she sends out these people to say idiotic things. How is it possible for a government to act like it's serious when it has people who go around saying anything at all."

The unrest is more bad news for President Cristina Fernandez.

She often contrasts the nation's current economic stability with a crisis in 2001 that saw a wave of looting as millions were plunged into poverty.