Police Clashes with Protesters in Buenos Aires Amidst Debate of Controversial Bill
Police clashed with protesters in the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, on Wednesday as lawmakers discussed a controversial bill proposed by newly-elected President Javier Milei.
The omnibus bill contains hundreds of articles which – if passed – will usher in sweeping free-market reforms.
In an attempt to gain the support of the opposition, which has a majority in the lower house, it has since been whittled down considerably.
The proposals that were dropped include an overhaul of the tax system and a proposal to change the way pensions are calculated.
Mr. Milei has warned that unless radical reforms are implemented, Argentina will face a social catastrophe of biblical proportions.
Critics of the bill say it would undermine Argentina’s democracy. But President Milei argues that the country needs shock therapy if it is to recover from the economic crisis it has been mired in for years.
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His substantial reform package touches on all areas of public and private life, from privatizations to cultural issues, the penal code, divorce, and the status of football clubs.
But many Argentinians are already up in arms and staged a strike less than two months into his term.
Milei promises his austerity measures and reforms will bring down soaring inflation in Argentina and jumpstart the economy, Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo, reporting from Thursday’s protest, sad.
She noted, however, that the unrest showed “how difficult the months ahead will be and how the president is willing to confront those who dare oppose him.
