Argentina sees violent protests over Milei’s reforms

Violent protests have erupted on the streets of Buenos Aires, as Argentina’s Senate debates the passage of a key bill that would advance President Javier Milei’s economic overhaul. Thousands of protesters gathered in the shadow of the country’s domed Congress building on Wednesday, in a demonstration against the proposed austerity measures contained in the wide-reaching bill. But while the day began with street barbecues, picketing and protest songs, tensions rose in the afternoon as the debate unfolded inside the congressional building. The so-called "Omnibus Law" sets out sweeping changes to the economy, including steep austerity measures and privatisation. Riot police armed with helmets, batons and clear, plastic shields arrived to disperse the crowds. They deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon, spraying protesters bundled against the winter cold. Several opposition lawmakers who were among the crowd had to be transferred to a nearby hospital to treat burns to their eyes and skin. Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires. Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Argentina #ArgentinaAusterity #ArgentinaCongress #ArgentinaSenate #JavierMilei #Milei #BuenosAires #ArgentinaProtests #ArgentinaEconomicCrisis #LeyOmnibus #LeyBases #NoALaLeyBases #AbajoLaLeyDeBases #AlJazeeraEnglish