Buenos Aires

Argentina's Senate on Wednesday (June 12) approved a economic reform plan proposed by President Javier Milei in an overall vote.

Advertisment

The motion initially tied 36-36, with the head of the chamber, Vice President Victoria Villarruel, breaking the tie.

Earlier, the Buenos Aires riot police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters gathered outside Congress as the lawmakers inside were debating budget-cutting reforms.

The protesters - who say the measures will hurt millions of Argentines - threw petrol bombs and stones, setting a car on fire.

Advertisment

Several were reported injured, with local media describing the scene on Wednesday (June 12) as not less than a battlefield.

Also read: Protests erupt in Buenos Aires against Milei's economic overhaul

It may be mentioned here, the reform package, proposed by right-wing President Javier Milei to revive the country's flagging economy, includes declaring a state of economic emergency, cutting pensions and watering down labour rights.

Advertisment

The measures are opposed by leftist political parties, labour unions and social organisations.

Clashes erupted when protesters attempted to breach fences to reach Congress, hurling rocks at officers who responded with pepper spray.

Buenos Aires rocked by clashes

According to the observers, dozens of demonstrators and a handful of MPs received medical attention. 

At least five opposition MPs in the crowd were hospitalised, legislator Cecilia Moreau told AFP news agency.

"We cannot believe that in Argentina we are discussing a law that will put us back 100 years," Fabio Nunez, a 55-year-old protesting lawyer, was quoted by AFP as saying.

Later, President Milei's office issued a statement thanking the security forces for suppressing what it called "terrorists" attempting to stage a coup d'état.

However, the debate on the bill in the Senate is set to continue late into Wednesday, with senators expected to take a vote on it.

Also read: Train crash in Argentine capital leaves 30 injured

Notably, the bill was approved by the lower house in April with significant changes.

If approved in the Senate, it will return to the lower house for final approval.

Milei came to office in 2023 after vowing to take a chainsaw to public spending.

While on the campaign trail, he even brandished a chainsaw while making a speech to symbolise his determination to do so.

(With inputs from agencies)