Protests in Buenos Aires saw injuries and arrests as retirees and football fans clashed with police over pension cuts imposed by President Javier Milei. Riot police utilized tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, which expressed deep frustrations regarding economic conditions and previous government actions. The incident reflects rising tensions amid a drastic austerity environment affecting vulnerable groups like pensioners.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, at least 15 individuals were injured and over 100 arrested during a protest against economic policies, including pension cuts made by President Javier Milei. Riot police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse football fans and retirees, who expressed anger at the government’s actions in a significant demonstration.
Weekly protests by retirees have escalated due to drastic pension cuts since Milei took office in late 2023. On the day of the protests, retirees united with football fans, triggered by a viral video showing police violence against an elderly man. Jose, a pensioner involved in the demonstration, reported that retirees face challenges accessing medicine, along with reduced pensions.
Tensions heightened after Argentina’s Ministry of Security issued a ban on individuals engaging in disturbances from entering soccer stadiums, intensifying the already strained atmosphere. The demonstrators shouted slogans likening Milei’s governance to Argentina’s past military dictatorship. Clashes transpired near Congress, with notable injuries, including a photojournalist, Pablo Grillo, who was struck by a projectile while working.
The outrage stemmed not only from economic hardships but also from emotive events such as the trial of medical staff accused of negligence in the care of football legend Diego Maradona. Many protesters highlighted socio-economic struggles, with nearly 60 percent of retirees living on the minimum pension, approximately $340 monthly. Last year, President Milei notably vetoed a law to increase pensions, which further deepened frustrations among the elderly population.
Protestors faced significant police presence, their anger demonstrated through the use of firecrackers and stones against the authorities. The protests reflect deep-seated emotions among the populace toward austerity measures that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups like retirees.
The unrest in Argentina highlights a significant clash between the government and its citizens, particularly retirees facing severe pension cuts under President Milei’s regime. The protests drew attention to the socio-economic challenges impacting over half of the retiree population, while simultaneously igniting sentiments reminiscent of Argentina’s tumultuous history. The situation emphasizes the critical need for policy changes to address the financial hardships faced by these demographics, as well as a reassessment of governmental approaches to civil unrest.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
