11 Jun 2024 | 12:34 AM UTC
Argentina: Protest planned in Buenos Aires June 12 to oppose government-sponsored legislation
Unionized activists to hold protest in Buenos Aires, strike nationwide in Argentina June 12 to oppose legislation in the Senate.
Activists affiliated with multiple unions, political parties, and other organizations plan to hold a rally outside the National Congress in Buenos Aires starting from 09:00 June 12. The purpose of the action is to protest the scheduled debate of the Omnibus Bill, known as Framework Law (Ley de Bases), in the Senate. Demonstrators argue the bill reduces workers' rights. Additionally, leaders of the Government Workers' Association (Asociacion de Trabajadores del Estado, ATE) plan to hold a nationwide strike June 12 to protest the potential approval of the Omnibus Bill.
Tens of thousands of people are likely to participate in the demonstration in Buenos Aires. Heightened security, as well as significant transport and business disruptions, are likely in downtown Buenos Aires. Disruptions due to the ATE strike are possible nationwide. Clashes between protesters and police are possible near the National Congress.
Avoid all protests due to the possibility of clashes. Plan for delays and alternative routes if operating in downtown Buenos Aires June 12. Confirm government appointments in advance.
The Omnibus Bill, also known as the Framework Law (Ley de Bases), is one of the main projects of the Milei administration. It includes a large number of reforms to deregulate the country's economy, allowing the national government to privatize state-owned companies. It also declares a financial public emergency for one year, allowing the government to enforce a number of measures without legislative support. The bill in its original form was debated and voted down in early 2024, but after a series of changes, the Chamber of Deputies approved it in late April. The debate of the bill in the Senate will start June 12.
The ruling Liberty Advances (La Libertad Avanza, LLA) party has only 36 of the 257 members of the Chamber of Deputies and seven of the 72 Senators, but alliances with other center-right and centrist parties and coalitions, mainly Republican Proposal (Propuesta Republicana, PRO) of former President Mauricio Macri and Radical Civic Union (Union Civica Radical, UCR), have allowed the approval of this and other government legislative proposals.
