Protests and clashes ahead of key Argentinian govt vote

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, as Argentina’s Senate began voting on a state overhaul and tax bills proposed by President Javier Milei. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails, overturned cars and started fires, until police used rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gar to disperse the crowds. Police said that 20 officers had been injured in the clashes, while several opposition lawmakers said they were hospitalized after police pepper sprayed them. The new bills, proposed by President Javier Milei, contain harsh austerity measures, privatization and economic deregulation, and would hand legislative powers to the president in energy, pensions and security matters. They were ultimately passed in the Senate, but will now face further votes.