On Wednesday, protests in Buenos Aires turned violent as police clashed with football fans and pensioners opposed to austerity measures by President Javier Milei. The clashes resulted in numerous injuries and arrests, highlighting urgent economic grievances as authorities sought to disperse crowds during weekly pensioner demonstrations. Historical parallels to Argentina’s military past were evoked, underscoring the growing discontent with the current government.
On Wednesday, clashes erupted in Buenos Aires as Argentine police confronted football fans and pensioners amidst a protest against austerity measures. Riot police employed tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to manage the violent demonstrations, resulting in at least 20 injuries and over 100 arrests. The protests, part of a weekly pensioner rally, reflected growing discontent towards President Javier Milei’s budget cuts, leading to violent confrontations near both Congress and Plaza de Mayo.
The demonstrators, many wearing football jerseys, expressed their outrage with slogans such as “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!” which drew historical parallels to Argentina’s military junta from 1976 to 1983. One notable injury involved photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who sustained a serious wound during the unrest, drawing public sympathy. His father accused Milei’s government of endangering his son’s life.
In response to the protest, a significant police presence was deployed outside Congress, where sessions were ongoing. The clash extended for over two hours as riot police faced flying debris, including stones and firecrackers, from agitated demonstrators. Incidents of brutality, including a widely circulated video showing a police officer attacking an elderly woman, escalated tensions among the public.
This demonstration marked a continuation of pensions-related protests that have occurred every Wednesday, which typically see limited attendance. This week, fans from prominent football clubs rallied in support of pensioners, many of whom have faced violence in recent demonstrations as their living conditions deteriorated. Post-clash, residents expressed their dissent further by banging pots and pans and blocking streets in protest of Milei and National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich’s policies.
The backdrop of these protests included the ongoing trial of seven medical staff implicated in the death of football legend Diego Maradona, fueling public resentment. Calls for solidarity emerged as supporters shared Maradona’s words from a 1992 video urging defense of retirees. Historical grievances resurface as pensioners’ financial situations worsen under Milei’s austerity measures, compelling many to congregate and demand action. Reports indicate that nearly 60 percent of retirees live on the minimum pension of approximately $340 monthly, well below the inflation rate.
The events in Buenos Aires reveal a significant fracture within Argentine society as pensioners and football fans unite against austerity measures implemented by President Javier Milei. The demonstrations have escalated in intensity, showcasing the public’s outrage through violent confrontations with law enforcement. Amid the chaos, broader issues of economic distress and historical injustices continue to resonate, symbolizing a crucial moment for collective action amongst the public. As frustrations mount, the dialogue surrounding pension reforms and social welfare remains an urgent priority for the government.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
