Protestors in Buenos Aires united retirees and soccer fans against the economic policies of President Javier Milei, who has implemented significant public spending cuts since taking office a year ago. The protesters, demanding increased pensions to address a precarious standard of living, clashed with police on Wednesday.
The pensioners’ protests have been ongoing for several weeks, but Wednesday’s event was unprecedented in scale and violence. Police fired water cannons, tear gas, and pellets at the crowd, while protesters threw stones. The protesters chanted slogans against Milei, comparing his rule to a military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983.
Milei’s government has imposed austerity measures that have disproportionately affected pensioners. Nearly 60% of pensioners receive only the minimum amount, equivalent to around $340 per month. Milei vetoed a law that would have seen pensions rise by a fraction of the boost needed to maintain their purchasing power.
The situation is being described as “the worst of the decline we are leaving behind” by Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. The protests highlight the struggles faced by pensioners under Milei’s government, and the need for increased funding to support those affected by austerity measures.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/argentina-pensioners-and-soccer-fans-unite-in-protests/a-71905118