Argentina's Senate narrowly approved President Javier Millay's controversial economic reforms, with the vote taking place amid violent clashes between protesters and riot police outside parliament.
Protesters in Buenos Aires threw petrol bombs, threw stones and set cars on fire, claiming the move would harm millions of Argentines.
Local media described the scene as a “battlefield” Wednesday, saying many people were injured.
Reforms to revive the sluggish economy include declaring an economic emergency, cutting pensions and weakening labor rights.
Mr Mailay, a right-wing economist, was elected amid a deep economic crisis that is still struggling six months after taking office.
Annual inflation is currently approaching 300% and more than half of Argentines live in poverty.
Mr Mailay's “shocking” measures are opposed by left-wing parties, trade unions and social groups.
However, the bill, which was initially tied 36 to 36 in the Senate, passed preliminary passage on Wednesday after Senate Vice President Victoria Villarruel broke the tie.
“My vote is yes for the Argentines who don’t want to suffer and wait and see their children leave the country,” Villarruel said after breaking the tie.
The 328-clause bill will now be scrutinized one by one before full approval expected on Thursday.
It then returns to the House of Commons for final proceedings.
