Chaos in Buenos Aires: Clashes erupt as lawmakers debate budget cuts

The streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, transformed into scenes of turmoil as riot police clashed with protesters outside the Congress building on Wednesday. Demonstrators, opposing a contentious budget reform package proposed by President Javier Milei, resorted to throwing petrol bombs and stones, escalating the confrontation to what local media described as a “battlefield.” The police responded with tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to control the crowd, which included numerous injured parties.

Details of the Confrontation and Legislative Actions

The unrest in Buenos Aires comes amid a significant legislative session where lawmakers are deliberating on President Milei’s drastic economic measures aimed at reviving Argentina’s struggling economy. The proposed legislation involves declaring a state of economic emergency, making sweeping cuts to pensions, and diluting labor rights. These measures have sparked widespread opposition from leftist political parties, labor unions, and social organizations.

Intense scenes in Buenos Aires as protesters clash with riot police over controversial budget cuts.

The violence escalated when protesters, attempting to breach barriers set up around Congress, engaged with riot police. The authorities reported that demonstrators had set two vehicles on fire, including one belonging to a news organization. The chaotic scenes necessitated medical attention for dozens of demonstrators and several MPs, with at least five opposition MPs hospitalized, according to legislator Cecilia Moreau.

President Milei’s administration has labeled the protesters as “terrorists” attempting a coup d’état, praising the security forces for their actions against the demonstrators. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill late into the night, following its approval by the lower house in April with significant amendments.

Public and Political Reactions

The public reaction has been intense, with many Argentines expressing deep concerns about the potential impacts of the reforms. Fabio Nunez, a 55-year-old protesting lawyer, captured the sentiment of many by stating, “We cannot believe that in Argentina we are discussing a law that will put us back 100 years.”

The situation remains volatile as the debate continues and the nation watches closely. If the Senate approves the bill, it will return to the lower house for final approval. President Milei, who was elected in 2023 after promising severe cuts to public spending, symbolically brandished a chainsaw during his campaign to emphasize his commitment to reducing government expenditure.