Retirees and Soccer fans unite against austerity policies in Argentina.
Stones and green cartridges from police shotguns on the ground. The trace of the violent protest of retirees, backed by hundreds of soccer fans from different teams, was left on the streets after Wednesday's clash in Buenos Aires between protesters and security forces in front of Congress, which left 124 arrested and at least 46 injured, according to authorities.
The pensioners, who gather every Wednesday in small groups to protest against the adjustments of the government of the ultra-right-wing President Javier Milei, were surrounded this time by an unprecedented gathering of fans of Boca Juniors, River Plate and other first and second division teams.
Wednesday's protest was the largest and most violent pro-pensioners protest in the almost year and a half that Milei has been in power. Generally, they are small groups and, although there have been incidents with the police on other occasions, something of the magnitude of now has not been seen before.
In a statement around midnight, the Ministry of National Security reported the arrest of 124 people and 46 injured, 20 of them demonstrators. One officer had a gunshot wound and a photographer was in serious condition after being hit in the skull by a tear gas capsule.
Hinchas argentinos se enfrentaron a la policía en una marcha junto a sindicatos y partidos de izquierda en contra de los recortes de Milei.
www.elfinanciero.com.mx
Grok. Why the pensioners are protesting in Argentina?
Pensioners in Argentina are protesting primarily due to the severe economic hardships they are facing under President Javier Milei’s austerity measures, which have significantly impacted their pensions and quality of life. Since Milei took office in December 2023, his administration has implemented deep budget cuts, including reductions in pension funding, as part of a broader effort to achieve fiscal balance and combat Argentina’s economic crisis. These policies have led to several specific grievances:
● Pension Cuts and Inflation: Pension increases have not kept pace with Argentina’s triple-digit inflation, which has eroded their purchasing power. Nearly 60% of pensioners receive only the minimum pension, approximately $340 per month, an amount insufficient to cover basic living costs amid rising prices. For instance, inflation reached nearly 237% over the past year, while pension adjustments have lagged far behind, leaving many retirees unable to afford essentials like food and medicine.
● Loss of Free Medications: The government has cut programs that previously provided free medications to retirees, exacerbating their financial strain. Pensioners like Patricia, a 66-year-old retired maid, have reported no longer receiving critical medications for themselves or family members with serious health conditions, forcing them to choose between healthcare and other necessities.
