Thousands protest private property legislation in Argentina

Thousands of protesters braved stormy weather to demonstrate against a controversial private property bill outside the Argentine Senate, leading to clashes with police. The demonstration occurred on Thursday as lawmakers debated the legislation.

Scuffles broke out on Congress Square as the protest concluded, with demonstrators throwing stones and projectiles at police. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and a water cannon. The protesters, mobilized by left-wing movements and unions, remained undeterred even after the government conceded to removing a provision that would have eased restrictions on foreigners buying land in Argentina.

Carrying Argentine flags and banners reading “The homeland is not for sale,” demonstrators voiced their opposition to the “Inviolability of Private Property” bill. The proposed legislation seeks to modify property ownership laws, including streamlining eviction procedures, altering rural land use regulations, and limiting the state's ability to claim private property. President Javier Milei's libertarian government intends for the bill to establish a legal framework that attracts investment.

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The homeland is not for sale.

Opposition groups and environmental organizations have strongly criticized the bill, warning of potential "colonisation, fragmentation, fracture and balkanization of the homeland." The ruling party, holding only 20 seats in the 72-senator body, withdrew the chapter concerning foreign land purchases. This clause would have increased the limit on foreign-owned land from 15% to 25%.

According to a 2025 report from the University of Buenos Aires and other researchers, nearly 5% of Argentina's territory is under foreign ownership. This area is comparable in size to England. The report also noted that in certain districts, the percentage of foreign ownership already surpasses the 15% limit, particularly in regions rich with water and mineral resources or possessing logistical advantages like ports.

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colonisation, fragmentation, fracture and balkanization of the homeland.