02 Feb 2024 | 03:41 PM UTC
Argentina: Activists plan to demonstrate outside the National Congress in Buenos Aires, Feb. 2 /update 2
Anti-government activists plan to protest at the National Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Feb. 2. Tight security, disruptions likely.
Anti-government activists, including union members and supporters of left-wing political parties, plan to continue holding protests outside the National Congress in Buenos Aires, Feb. 2. Protests are likely throughout the day, but two specific demonstrations have been scheduled to start at 15:30 and at 16:30, respectively. Demonstrators intend to oppose the approval of a large reform bill, known as "Ley Omnibus", which continues to be debated in the national legislature on Feb. 2. The debate started Jan. 31, and protests have occurred during the past two days. Further protests are likely if the debate extends beyond Feb. 2.
Thousands will likely participate in the rally, which will likely prompt heightened security and transport disruptions in the area. Clashes between protesters and police have occurred in recent days and are likely Feb. 2.
Avoid the protests. Plan for delays and alternative routes if operating in downtown Buenos Aires Feb. 1. Heed instructions from authorities.
The debate of the reform bill had initially been scheduled for Jan. 30, but government officials postponed it for 24 hours, as negotiations between the ruling Freedom Advances (La Libertad Avanza, LLA) party and independent parties continued without the certainty of a majority support of the bill. The debate was extended to Feb. 1 and for a second time to Feb. 2. The "Ley Omnibus" was proposed by the Javier Milei administration in December, as one of its main major reforms to the Argentinian economy, and it includes a number of privatization plans, and deregulations.
LLA only has 38 out of 257 members of the Chamber of Deputies, and it needs support from multiple parties in other to obtain a majority of the votes in the lower chamber.
