Argentine riot police fired water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters outside the country’s Congress on Wednesday, June 12, escalating tensions before lawmakers were to vote on state overhaul and tax bills proposed by President Javier Milei. The vote is the most serious test to date of the libertarian leader’s vision of governance and change.
Thousands of demonstrators had converged around Congress as the Senate opened debate on the key legislation, urging lawmakers to reject Milei’s program of harsh austerity and economic deregulation.
Opposition says four lawmakers sent to hospital
There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries in the ensuing scuffles. Earlier in the day, police had used pepper spray to clear away a line of protesters, sending at least four opposition lawmakers into the hospital, according to their political party Unión por la Patria.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, protests erupted outside Congress as lawmakers discussed reform bills proposed by President Javier Milei. Riot police clashed with demonstrators, reflecting the polarizing nature of Milei’s policies. Despite promises to address economic crises, Milei’s limited political support hinders his agenda. The intense protests highlighted the challenges Milei faces in implementing his vision for Argentina’s future. The debates in Congress focused on vital tax and state reform bills, aiming to stimulate the economy while facing opposition from various groups. The turbulent events underscored the deep divisions within Argentine society over Milei’s proposed changes. The outcome of the legislative discussions will be crucial in determining the direction of Argentina’s political landscape in the coming years.\
Source link