Buenos Aires, Jan 31 (EFE). – The protests around the Argentine Congress during the debate on the Omnibus Law, the flagship project of President Javier Milei’s economic policy, ended in a confrontation between demostrators and the police on Wednesday evening.
No serious injuries have been reported so far, but EFE was able to verify that there were numerous incidents involving tear gas and pepper spray amid the confrontation.
On Wednesday, thousands of people gathered in front of the headquarters of the Argentine Congress in Buenos Aires, called by leftist and trade union organizations.
Although the concentration remained calm throughout the day, after 5:30 pm local time, the attempt by some demonstrators to block the road led to a harsh response by the federal forces deployed around the National Congress.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich issued a protocol in December prohibiting roadblocks during protests.
Hundreds of agents from three security forces – gendarmerie, prefecture, and federal police – were deployed in the area to contain the protesters, and a double line of police motorcycles kept the activists on the sidewalks near parliamentary headquarters.
Nevertheless, some demonstrators managed to block traffic at the heart of the Argentine capital, leading to a confrontation with security forces.
Several leftist legislators left the chamber during the debate to show solidarity with the demonstrators.
Among them was the deputy of the Left and Workers Front, Myriam Bregman, who told the press that it was “regrettable that so many sectors are joining this mess created by Bullrich.”
Asked by the press how a day of quiet concentration could end in a public quarrel, the former presidential candidate replied: “Patricia Bullrich, the same provocateur as always, happened.”
Columns of agents of the federal forces – and none of the Buenos Aires city police – prevented the advance of the demonstrators, who, amid shouts and some provocations to the troops, continued to concentrate in the Plaza del Congreso. EFE
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