Argentinian legislators took a first step on Friday towards approving the comprehensive package of economic, social, and political reforms proposed by President Javier Mili’s government, which sparked angry protests from the opposition.
The proposed legislation received “general” approval in principle from the Argentine Congress, where its members will review detailed military projects next week.
Before voting, Mili (53 years old) said on social media that legislators have “the opportunity to show the side of history” they want to be in, according to the French news agency, “Agence France-Presse.”
According to a presidential statement, it was stated that “their actions will be judged by history, based on whether they work for the benefit of the Argentinians or continue to impoverish the people.”
Melie achieved a resounding victory in the elections that took place last October, benefiting from a wave of anger due to years of economic crisis in the South American country, where annual inflation exceeds 200% and poverty levels reach 40%.
Mili began his term by reducing the value of the peso by more than 50% and cutting government support for fuel, transportation, and ministries by half. He also abolished hundreds of measures aimed at liberalizing the economy.
His package of reforms extends to many areas of public and private life, including privatization, cultural issues, criminal law, divorce, and the establishment of football clubs.
The House of Representatives initially agreed to the package with a majority of 144 votes compared to 109 on the third day of a marathon debate accompanied by protests and confrontations outside the parliament.
The law project may undergo modifications before being referred to the Senate.
Lorena Viaverde, a member of the far-right “Freedom Forward” party led by Milli, stated, “We are presented with two clear options: either we become the largest impoverished neighborhood in the world, or we continue on this path towards prosperity and freedom.”
However, the opposition deputy Leandro Santoro pointed to the 2001 economic and social crisis as an example of the risks of free market reforms.
“We, the Argentinians, are aware of the consequences when the economic model focuses on adaptation and the elimination of regulatory constraints,” he said.
The police once again released tear gas on the crowds of protesters in front of the parliament on Friday.
This came after just over a week of tens of thousands of Argentinians taking to the streets in a major challenge to Milly’s budget reduction policies.
In support of Mili’s reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed on Wednesday to disburse around $4.7 billion to Argentina.
