Milei's reform package squeaks by in key first Senate vote

[Judi Lynn]

TODAY 00:48

President Milei‘s signature reform package eked out preliminary approval in the Senate, but its most important fiscal measures face strong opposition in a piece-by-piece vote.



CHAOS OUTSIDE CONGRESS ON WEDNESDAY. | BLOOMBERG

President Javier Milei‘s signature reform package eked out preliminary approval in Argentina’s Senate, but its most important fiscal measures face strong opposition in a piece-by-piece vote.

After weeks of tense negotiations, senators approved the president’s market-friendly plan in a general vote Wednesday night after his vice president broke a 36-36 tie. The real challenge, however, still remains, as lawmakers have to ratify each chapter of the so-called 'omnibus' bill and accompanying fiscal package.

Resistance to Milei’s reforms escalated outside Congress in the afternoon as protesters threw rocks, broken glass and Molotov cocktails at riot police attempting to clear part of a nearby plaza with a water cannon and tear gas. Protesters also flipped and burned a car.

Dozens of people were detained and at least nine were hospitalised, including multiple members of the lower house of Congress, according to local media. Pot-banging demonstrations were heard throughout the capital as darkness fell.

More:
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/economy/mileis-reform-package-squeaks-by-in-key-first-senate-vote.phtml

[Judi Lynn]

1. In initial win for Argentine President Milei, senators approve his key bills after violent protests

by: ISABEL DEBRE, Associated Press

Posted: Jun 12, 2024 / 11:52 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 12, 2024 / 11:57 PM EDT

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina’s Senate narrowly approved key state overhaul and tax bills proposed by President Javier Miliei, delivering an initial legislative victory to the libertarian leader in his efforts to enact his promises of radical change.

Senators voted 37 to 36 late Wednesday to give their overall approval to the overhaul bill after 11 hours of heated debate while protesters — urging lawmakers to reject Milei’s harsh austerity plan — clashed with police outside Congress. The Senators still must approve individual measures in an article-by-article vote set to stretch throughout the night.

In a reflection of the fierce backlash to the legislation and deep polarization gripping Argentina’s Congress, Vice President and head of the Senate Victoria Villarruel cast the tiebreaking vote in favor of Milei’s agenda.

. . .

“We have the weakest president we’ve ever seen who is trying to pass the biggest bill we’ve ever seen,” said Ana Iparraguirre, an Argentina-based analyst at Washington strategy firm GBAO. “That’s the contradiction.”

More:
https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/ap-argentine-riot-police-disperse-protesters-with-water-cannons-ahead-of-key-senate-vote/