On a historic day, the Argentine Senate approved this Wednesday evening in its entirety the so-called Basic Law, An ambitious legislative project by the government of Javier Miley that establishes the legal framework for a profound transformation of Argentina’s economic and social model.

After eleven hours of continuous debate and while thousands of protesters in the street protested against the “Fundamentals and starting points of the freedom of Argentines” law, also known as the “omnibus law”, It received 36 votes against and 37 in favour, including a “qualifying vote” from the President of the Upper House. and the Vice President of the Republic, Victoria Villarruel, who overcame a tie in the second vote.

The initiative, presented by the executive branch as a fundamental part of the “modernization and revitalization” of the country based on economic liberalism and reducing the role of the state in the economy, has already passed the procedure of the Chamber of Deputies.. If the initiative is changed during consideration in the Senate, it will return to the lower house. for discussion and final decision.

When the result of the vote became known, hundreds of protesters standing at the doors of Congress clashed with police. throw stones at them and build barricadesto which the agents responded shooting rubber bullets and using tear gas, in the repetition of episodes of violence that occurred during the day.

The debate in the upper house began at 10:15 local time. This continued until almost midnight. At stake were both the legal foundations and starting points of freedom for Argentines, also known as the “omnibus law,” and the tax reform promoted by the executive branch.

Tensions within the Senate, incidents on the streets

The session was expected to be intense and long. Thousands of people demonstrated outside parliament against government initiatives.

The challenge has been significant for the far-right La Libertad Avanza party, which is a minority in parliament. Of the 72 senators, half were expected to vote in favor and the other half against, although some doubts remained about the votes of some lawmakers. Finally, a casting vote by the Chairman of the House broke the tie.

The ruling party had a lot in the vote, and not only because the “Basic Law” and the “fiscal shock” plan are the core of Miley’s government program, but also because the result of this vote will significantly influence the political course of the executive branch in the coming months.

And this is because, despite the fact that six months have passed since Mileus came to power, “Congress has not yet provided the necessary tools a government widely elected by the people,” said pro-government senator Bartolome Abdala at the start of the debate.

Almost six months of parliamentary processing

The basic law has been in the parliamentary process for almost six months. The minority ruling party had to eliminate several aspects of the original draft.. After numerous revisions, the initiative was approved by the Chamber of Deputies at the end of April with 142 votes in favor, 106 against and 5 abstentions.

To achieve your discussion at the plenary session of the Senate, The ruling party agreed to additional changes. Now that the Upper House is discussing this particular project, the project must return to MPs for final discussion.

The “Basic Law” proclaims state of emergency in administrative, economic, financial and energy matters for a period of one year, giving the executive branch broad powers in these areas.

The initiative allows state reform, privatization of several companies, changes in labor and pension legislation, and also offers incentives for the energy and hydrocarbon sectors and large investments.

Along with this project, the Senate is also discussing a budget package that includes a proposal to combat money laundering and tax and customs moratorium.

The legislative package faces serious challenges opposition from various political, trade union and social sectors, who mobilized into Congress, leading to episodes of violence as protesters tore down fences and threw rocks and sticks at security forces, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.

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Numerous acts of vandalism were also reported, including three vehicles being set on fire. In total there were fourteen detained and several wounded, including five deputies were hospitalized due to the use of pepper spray.

(according to information from EFE)