Thousands protest Argentina private property bill outside Senate

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Argentina’s Senate on Thursday to protest a controversial private‑property bill, turning the assembly into a scene of clashes that required the use of tear gas and rubber‑bullet fire. Protesters, many of whom carried signs denouncing the legislation, confronted police as the demonstration escalated into scuffles, prompting authorities to intervene with crowd‑control measures. The unrest highlighted deep public opposition to provisions perceived as threatening national control over land resources.

In response to the outcry, President Javier Milei’s administration removed the bill’s most contentious clause, which would have lifted limits on foreign ownership of Argentine land. Despite the amendment, the removal has not quelled the anger, and the protests continued to underscore broader concerns about the government’s approach to private property rights and economic reform. The episode reflects ongoing tension between Milei’s reform agenda and segments of the population wary of foreign investment in the country’s agricultural sector. Peter O’Brien has more.