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

[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/