Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires was rocked by clashes, and tear gas and water cannons were dispersed by the riot police to disperse protesters outside Congress on Wednesday (12 June).
This was as lawmakers prepared to give an initial approval to budget-slashing reforms in the country’s Senate.
Demonstrators feel the measures will hurt millions of Argentines.
Local media described the scene on Wednesday as a “battlefield”.
The reform package, proposed by right-wing President Javier Milei, is aimed towards reviving the country’s flagging economy. It includes declaring a state of economic emergency, cutting pensions and diluting labour rights.
The measures are opposed by leftist political parties, labour unions and social organisations.
The motion, which was initially tied 36-36 in the Senate, was preliminarily passed on Wednesday after the head of the chamber, Vice President Victoria Villarruel, broke the tie.
The 328-article bill will now be surveyed point by point before its expected full approval today (13 June).
It will then return to the lower house for the final go ahead.
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