Protests in Argentina led by pensioners against austerity measures resulted in violent clashes with police. Many pensioners, previously demonstrating weekly, were joined by football fans supporting their cause. The police employed various crowd control methods to disperse the escalating situation, leading to multiple injuries and arrests.
In Argentina, recent protests led by pensioners against austerity measures have escalated into violent clashes with the police. The protests, which occur weekly, saw significant participation from local football fans supporting the elderly demonstrators. Demonstrations turned chaotic as participants expressed their collective frustration with President Javier Milei’s austerity policies, resulting in confrontations with riot police, who employed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
This week in Buenos Aires, the peaceful protest shifted to violence as supporters from the Boca Juniors football team arrived, chanting in solidarity with the pensioners. Notably, fans from rival club River Plate and others also joined the protests, showcasing surprising unity among groups typically at odds. A police cordon was established to prevent protesters from reaching the congressional building, but as tensions rose, police used high-pressure water cannons against demonstrators, including the elderly at the rear of the march.
Chants of “Don’t touch the elderly” rang out amidst the turmoil, reflecting the protesters’ desperation. Some carried poignant signs, such as a man wrapped in the Argentine flag urging assistance in the fight and an elderly woman displaying a shirt pleading for protection. The violence led to nearly 90 arrests, with 15 individuals injured, including a police officer and a protester struck by a tear gas canister.
The ongoing unrest stems from the government’s austerity measures, which have substantially cut pensions in attempts to manage inflation and reduce spending. Consequently, pensioners have been gathering weekly outside the Congressional Palace to demand a restoration of their pensions. Additionally, there remains unease regarding laws surrounding football fan groups, with security officials indicating a proactive approach to maintaining order during these volatile events.
This violent clash exemplifies the deep societal discontent and highlights the struggles faced by the elderly in Argentina, igniting greater public dialogue around the implications of austerity and the need for more inclusive economic policies.
The protests in Argentina signal a powerful response from pensioners and football fans against the government’s austerity measures under President Javier Milei. The violent clashes with law enforcement underscore the urgency of their demands for increased pensions and support for the elderly. As unrest persists, the implications of these austerity policies warrant careful consideration by policymakers to avoid escalating tensions and further discontent among vulnerable populations.
Original Source: news.sky.com
