In Buenos Aires, protests against pension cuts led to clashes between police and demonstrators, resulting in injuries and over 100 arrests. The unrest involved retirees and football fans protesting President Milei’s economic policies. Police employed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, amidst allegations of police brutality and deep-seated public anger over austerity measures affecting pensioners.
In Buenos Aires, protests erupted against pension cuts implemented by President Javier Milei, leading to a clash between riot police and demonstrators, including football fans and retirees. Authorities reported at least 15 injuries and over 100 arrests as police resorted to tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannon to disperse the crowd, which expressed anger towards the government’s economic policies.
The protests drew significant attention after a video surfaced showing police brutality towards an elderly man wearing a football jersey. Pensioners, suffering from reduced access to medicine and significant pension cuts since Milei’s administration began, joined forces with football fans to voice their grievances. Al Jazeera reported that the demonstrators chanted slogans condemning President Milei and referencing Argentina’s past military dictatorship.
The Ministry of Security’s recent resolution to ban those engaging in disruptive behavior from soccer stadiums further inflamed tensions among football enthusiasts. Clashes escalated near crucial landmarks as demonstrators responded with firecrackers and stones, leading to severe injuries, including that of photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who was hit by a projectile, raising concerns for his well-being.
A prominent symbol among the protestors was the late football legend Diego Maradona, as many waved his pictures and national flags. The atmosphere intensified outside Congress, where riot police struggled to manage the situation, and images of shocking police action circulated on social media. The public’s sentiment was further complicated by the start of a significant trial involving allegations against Maradona’s medical team for professional negligence in his care.
As austerity measures consistently pressure the elderly population in Argentina, many pensioners now receive a minimum payment of approximately $340 per month, intensifying their sense of economic injustice. Notably, President Milei’s decision to veto a pension increase bill last year further exacerbated the plight of retirees, who continue to rally for their rights.
The recent protests in Buenos Aires highlight the ongoing tensions in Argentina surrounding economic policies and pension cuts instituted by President Javier Milei. The clash between the police and demonstrators, including football fans and pensioners, reflects widespread discontent with the government’s handling of the economy. With injuries reported and the memory of past political oppression evoked, this situation underscores the urgency of addressing the needs and rights of retirees in a time of austerity.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
