Clashes in Argentina amid controversy over the Milei Omnibus Law

While Argentine deputies debated a controversial reform law proposal sent to Congress by the president Javier MileiIn the vicinity of the parliamentary headquarters, there were several clashes between protesters and public order forces.

This Thursday, police officers and police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons to try to disperse protests against the Law of Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines, better known as the “omnibus law”.

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The president’s ambitious proposal is part of a liberal reform plan with which the president intends to “turn a corner in Argentine history”.

Several journalists covering the protest also suffered injuries from rubber bullets, according to the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA).

Christian Castillo, deputy of the Left Front, reported that lawyer Matías Aufieri, advisor to deputy Alejandro Vilca, he received a rubber bullet in the eye.

Tension before Congress has increased as parliamentary debate continues in the Chamber. (GET IMAGES).

After the deputies’ decision, the project will go to the Senate. (GET IMAGES).

The local press reported strong police repression against the protesters. (GET IMAGES).

Since it was announced in late December, the bill generated a series of “cacerolazos” (protests from neighbors banging pots) and demonstrations that have intensified in recent days.

Although the government has been forced by political pressure to reduce the scope of the package of laws it wants to reform, some of the points that deputies continue to debate – such as the granting of exceptional capabilities to the Executive Branch – generate controversy inside and outside the Chamber of Deputies. .

Police used water cannons against protesters. (GET IMAGES).

Banging pots is one of Argentines’ traditional methods of protest. (Getty Images).

According to the government, it needs these exceptional powers from Congress due to the “public emergency in economic, financial, fiscal, social, social security, security, defense, tariffs, energy, health and social issues” that the country is suffering.

President Milei states that the country needs “shock therapy” recover from the economic crisis in which it has been immersed for years.

But critics of these “legislative delegations” to the Executive Branch say this would harm Argentine democracy.

Another project that generates controversy is the privatization of public companies.

A sex worker with a sign in front of the police. (GET IMAGES).

The gendarmerie participated in the security operation. (GET IMAGES).

Getty Images.

The project originally proposed by Milei contained more than 650 articlesbut it was reduced in an attempt to gain support within the opposition, which has a majority in the Lower House of Congress.

The protests are expected to continue on Friday, on the third day of debate on the Executive’s proposal.

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Source: Elcomercio