Security forces in Buenos Aires dissolved a mobilization against an ultraliberal legislative package on Thursday, deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against demonstrators outside the Argentine Congress in clashes that left more than 12 detained and at least 5 injured. According to local reporting and official sources, the protests arose in opposition to the government’s broader economic agenda under President Javier Milei, who took office in late 2023.
Clashes Erupt Outside the Argentine Congress
The demonstration began under the slogan “la patria no se vende” despite intense rain in the capital. Social, union, political, and student organizations joined independent citizens at the plaza to voice broad social opposition to a specific chapter concerning the sale of land to foreigners. That controversial measure formed part of a broader executive-backed project addressing the “inviolability” of private property.
Following mounting public pressure and the threat of a legislative setback, the ruling party opted to remove the land-sale chapter from the active debate. Officials stated that the treatment was merely postponed to enrich the text with new contributions and reach a higher level of consensus. However, lawmakers continued debating other sensitive provisions in the full Senate on Thursday, including measures addressing expedited evictions, limitations on state expropriation powers, and the relaxation of restrictions on utilizing rural lands and post-fire forests.
Did You Know? The disputed legislative package contains provisions designed to relax restrictions on the purchase of land by foreign buyers, alongside rules that would accelerate property evictions and limit state expropriation powers even for public utility purposes.
Security Forces Clear Plaza Congreso
The protest remained peaceful until security forces stationed behind perimeter fences began firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and water streams from police trucks. Demonstrators fell back as police opened the barriers and advanced to clear the plaza. Confrontations subsequently spread to surrounding streets.
A spokesperson for the Buenos Aires City Police informed EFE that municipal forces arrested nine individuals, stating that violent groups had burned trash containers, damaged sidewalks, and broken the windows of a police vehicle. Meanwhile, official sources cited by local media raised the overall arrest total to 12, which included three individuals detained by federal forces. Those same sources confirmed that four police officers sustained injuries during the clashes. On-site medical personnel also treated a photojournalist who suffered a cranial trauma from a blow to the head and arranged her transfer to a nearby hospital.
Citizen Reactions and National Scope of Protests
Protesters expressed deep concern over the direction of the country’s economic and environmental policy. “Es inaceptable what is what is being done with our lands, with our Argentina,” participant Marta Lucero told EFE outside the Congress. Sergio Alarcón, a member of a Peronist political group, argued that the proposed laws benefit only small minorities and concentrated economic groups at the expense of forests and rental markets. Marcela Arin, a citizen from the southern province of Neuquén, added that local water and land resources require active defense.
In addition to the central concentration in Buenos Aires, multiple protests took place across various cities nationwide. The Milei administration continues to push forward with its platform of labor flexibilization, investment incentives, privatizations, and fiscal adjustments ahead of planned reelection bids next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protests outside the Argentine Congress?
Demonstrators gathered to oppose executive-backed legislative initiatives, focusing initially on a proposed chapter that would have relaxed restrictions on selling land to foreigners. Although the ruling party postponed that specific chapter, protesters remained active against other controversial measures in the property bill.
How many people were detained and injured during the demonstrations?
Official and police sources confirmed a total of 12 arrests, which included nine individuals held by city police and three detained by federal forces. At least five people were injured, comprising four police officers and a photojournalist who suffered a head trauma.
What other measures are included in the legislative package?
The bill under Senate review includes provisions to accelerate evictions, restrict the state’s capacity to expropriae assets even for public utility, and remove protections on rural lands and forests affected by fires.
How will the ongoing legislative debates in the Senate shape the future of President Milei’s reform agenda?
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