Fernandez

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP):

Argentina's state news agency said the president's top aide has resigned following the Senate's rejection of a government-backed export tax hike.

Cabinet chief Alberto Fernandez's resignation comes the same day as that of the agriculture secretary.

The resignations are the first major shake-up for Cristina Fernandez's administration after the July 17 Senate defeat. The tax hike decreed in March led to widespread protests by farmers and sporadic food shortages.