Protests in Buenos Aires against pension cuts led by retirees and supported by football fans escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests. President Milei’s austerity measures, notably pension cuts, have exacerbated public frustration as retirees struggle to meet basic needs. The government’s heavy-handed security response has drawn criticism, with fears of further unrest as economic conditions deteriorate.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, violent protests erupted as retirees opposed pension cuts, resulting in at least 15 injuries and over 100 arrests. The protest, which started with retirees, grew in size after football fans joined in solidarity against the austerity measures of President Javier Milei. Riot police utilized tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the crowd gathered near the National Congress, leading to chaos as demonstrators responded by throwing stones and firecrackers.
Among those injured were a police officer who was shot and a protester who suffered a serious head injury from a tear gas canister. Photojournalist Pablo Grillo, documenting the protests, was hit by a projectile. Public outrage escalated due to troubling videos showing police brutality, including the beating of an elderly protester and the shoving of an elderly woman, which raised scrutiny on the government’s policies.
The protests stem from long-standing frustration among retirees facing significant pension cuts that have left many unable to meet basic needs. President Milei’s economic reforms aim to stabilize the economy and curb inflation through drastic measures like subsidy reductions and pension freezes. Nearly 60% of retirees receive the minimum pension of around $340 monthly, fueling anger and desperation among the elderly community.
Tensions escalated when the Ministry of Security banned individuals involved in public disorder from attending football matches, which angered football fans. This measure was perceived as an affront to personal freedoms and added to the protest’s intensity as sign-waving demonstrators clashed with riot police determined to clear the streets. Protests erupted into violence with burning barricades and graffiti, with chants comparing Milei’s rule to past military dictatorship horrors.
Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, justified the police actions, emphasizing maintaining order. However, human rights advocates and opposition figures condemned the excessive police response, warning that the growing anger over economic hardship may lead to further unrest as the economic crisis in Argentina deepens.
The violent protests in Argentina highlight the escalating tensions between economic austerity measures and public sentiment, particularly among retirees. The clash of retirees and football fans against police illustrates the broad discontent with President Milei’s policies, which many view as oppressive. With deepening economic challenges, the potential for increased unrest remains high, urging the government to address the underlying issues fueling public discontent.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
