Argentina: Violent protests in Buenos Aires Dec. 14

Event

Violence broke out in Buenos Aires on Thursday, December 14, during a protest organized to denounce pension reforms being debated by the congress. Thousands of demonstrators reportedly clashed with police, who used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd that had gathered outside the congress building. Following the incident, congress suspended debate on the reforms until further notice.

Further protests are highly likely in the coming days and weeks, particularly when congress resumes debate on the proposed reforms and/or when the reforms are put to a vote. Related protests are possible elsewhere in the country as well. Unions have also threatened to hold a general strike over the issue; at least one strike (in the banking sector) has already taken place.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.