Buenos Aires rocked by clashes over Milei reforms

Buenos Aires recently witnessed violent clashes between protesters and riot police as Argentina's Senate narrowly approved President Javier Milei's controversial economic reform package. The demonstrators in Buenos Aires are concerned that the measures will negatively impact millions of Argentines, leading to the throwing of petrol bombs and stones, setting cars on fire. The reforms, which aim to revive the country's struggling economy, include declaring a state of economic emergency, cutting pensions, and weakening labor rights. President Milei, a right-wing economist, has been facing challenges in addressing the deep economic crisis since taking office six months ago. The country is currently grappling with an annual inflation rate close to 300%, and over half of the population is living in poverty. The reforms have faced opposition from leftist political parties, labor unions, and social organizations. Despite the opposition, the bill was preliminarily passed in the Senate after Vice-President Victoria Villarruel broke the tie. The bill will now undergo further scrutiny before its expected full approval. The clashes between protesters and police involved the use of tear gas, water cannons, and the throwing of petrol bombs and stones. The situation has led to injuries and hospitalizations on both sides, with security forces arresting 15 people. President Milei's office has described the protesters as 'terrorists' attempting to carry out a coup d'état, while he has expressed his determination to change Argentina and make it the most liberal country in the world.