Argentina protests erupt over proposed land ownership reforms

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Argentine Senate in Buenos Aires to demonstrate against a proposed bill titled “Inviolability of Private Property.” The legislation, introduced by President Javier Milei’s administration, aimed to simplify eviction procedures, modify agricultural land use regulations, and set new limits on government seizure of private property.

A key component of the proposal sought to increase the limit of land that could be owned by foreign buyers from 15% to 25%. Following significant backlash, the government removed the chapter regarding land purchases by foreigners. While the administration views these reforms as a way to attract investment, critics have warned of potential “colonization, fragmentation, division, and Balkanization” of the country.

According to a 2025 study by the University of Buenos Aires and other academic institutions, foreign entities already own nearly 5% of Argentine territory, with some districts exceeding the current 15% ownership threshold.