Buenos Aires rocked by clashes over Milei reforms

Buenos Aires was rocked by violent clashes between police and protesters over proposed reforms by right-wing President Javier Milei. The riot police in Argentina's capital fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators outside Congress. The protesters were against the budget-slashing reforms, which they believe will negatively impact millions of Argentines. The scene on Wednesday was described as a 'battlefield' with petrol bombs, stones, and a car set alight. The reform package includes declaring a state of economic emergency, cutting pensions, and weakening labor rights, all aimed at reviving the country's struggling economy. These measures are met with opposition from leftist political parties, labor unions, and social organizations. The Senate initially tied 36-36 on the motion but was preliminarily passed after the Vice President broke the tie. The bill will now undergo a point-by-point survey before the expected full approval on Thursday. The protesters chanted 'The country is not for sale, the country is defended' and held banners questioning the head of state's intentions. Scuffles broke out as protesters tried to make their way towards Congress through fences, with demonstrators throwing rocks at officers who pepper sprayed them. Dozens of demonstrators and a handful of MPs reportedly received medical attention, and at least 20 police officers were injured. President Milei's office issued a statement thanking the security forces for repressing what it described as 'terrorists' attempting to carry out a coup d'état.