BUENOS AIRES , Argentina ( CNN ) -- President Cristina Fernandez on Tuesday defended an increase in export taxes on grains that has riled many farmers , and she called on them to respect the law in protesting her policies . President Cristina Fernandez : Calls on rally Wednesday to support her policies . `` All my life I have soldiered in this party , which always believed in social justice , in the redistribution of income , which caused us to win and lose elections , '' she said in a nationally televised address from the presidential palace . `` But we were always respectful of the popular will . '' Fernandez , of the center-left Peronist movement , made her plea for comity a day after massive demonstrations in various cities blocked traffic and paralyzed much of the country . In a concession to her critics , Fernandez said the increase in taxes on exports of grains that she instituted in March by decree will be debated by Congress . But there is little likelihood that the Congress will order major changes , since her party controls both houses . But Hilda Duhalde , an opponent of Fernandez , was not persuaded . `` It 's true that they have a majority in both houses , but we have to put white on black and watch out for the small- and medium-sized producers , who are the ones suffering , '' she said . Argentina raised export taxes in March by more than 10 percent . Fernandez has said growers have benefited from rising world prices and the profits should be spread to help the poor . Farmers have countered that they need to reinvest the profits and that the higher taxes make it difficult for them to make a living . Fernandez said she was open to dialogue , but a dialogue that does not countenance the blocking of roads or other disruptions to the lives of Argentines . `` Democracy for the people , not the corporations , '' she said . She called on Argentines to take to the Plaza de Mayo Wednesday in a show of support for her policies . `` It does n't matter what party , place or sector you 're from , '' she said . `` What is important is not where you 're from , but where you are going -- what kind of country do we want ? '' To those who do not agree with her policies , she had other advice . `` If they want to change the economic model , what they should do is organize a political party , participate in elections and win them , '' she said . CNN 's Carolina Cayazzo contributed to this report .
President Cristina Fernandez appeals for dialogue , respect in national address . Fernandez says profits from higher food prices should be spread among poor . Farmers say higher taxes make it difficult for them to make a living .