Clashes Erupt in Buenos Aires Over Milei's Economic Reforms

Violent clashes broke out between protesters and riot police outside Congress as Argentina's Senate narrowly approved President Javier Milei's controversial economic reform package.

Demonstrators in Buenos Aires - who say the measures will hurt millions of Argentines - threw petrol bombs and stones, setting cars alight.

A number of people were reported injured, with local media describing the scene as a "battlefield".

The reforms, intended to revive the nation's struggling economy, include declaring a state of economic emergency, cutting pensions, and diluting labor rights.

Right-wing economist Mr. Milei was elected amid a severe economic crisis, which he continues to grapple with six months into his tenure.

Mr. Milei's "shock" measures face opposition from leftist political parties, labor unions, and social organizations. However, the motion, 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.

"For those Argentines who suffer, who wait, who do not want to see their children leave the country... my vote is affirmative," Ms. Villarruel said after breaking the tie.

The 328-article bill will now be reviewed point by point before its anticipated full approval on Thursday. It will then return to the lower house for final approval.

Ahead of the bill's passage, clashes occurred as protesters attempted to reach Congress. Two vehicles, including one belonging to a news organization, were reportedly set on fire.

Before the Senate passed the bill, protesters chanted: "The country is not for sale, the country is defended," while one banner read: “how can a head of state hate the state?”

Scuffles broke out as protesters tried to breach fences to approach Congress, with demonstrators throwing rocks at officers who responded with pepper spray.

Dozens of demonstrators and a handful of MPs reportedly received medical attention

The highly divisive bill was approved by the lower house in April, after significant amendments were made to it.

Mr 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.

He has since cut the cabinet in half, slashed 50,000 public jobs, suspended new public works contracts and ripped away fuel and transport subsidies.

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