President Javier Milei has vowed to prosecute individuals who instigate street violence following a pensioners’ protest resulting in clashes with police. His support for National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has fueled further controversy, especially after a photographer was injured during the protests. Internal party conflicts have emerged regarding the government’s response, and Milei has decided to cancel a planned trip to Spain, choosing to visit Israel instead.
President Javier Milei has declared intentions to imprison those responsible for instigating street violence following a recent protest involving pensioners, which escalated into clashes with police. The protest led to the arrest of 124 individuals and resulted in 45 injuries. Speaking at Expoagro in Buenos Aires Province, Milei emphasized the need to safeguard the republic, declaring, “The good ones are the ones in blue [the police] and the sons of bitches who go around… and threaten people.”
Milei reiterated his support for National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, who has faced criticism regarding the police’s aggressive tactics during the protests. This controversy intensified following the severe injury of photographer Pablo Grillo, who remains in critical condition after being hit by police pepper spray. Amid these incidents, Bullrich accused Grillo of being politically aligned with the opposition, suggesting a bias in her comments.
The protest was rooted in a weekly demonstration by pensioners advocating for better pensions and was notably supported by fans from over 30 football clubs. Initiated by Chacarita Juniors fans defending a fellow supporter from previous police actions, the recent demonstration witnessed significant police opposition using rubber bullets and tear gas. The majority of participants behaved peacefully, although some accused infiltrators of instigating violence.
Following the disturbances, Bullrich’s ministry filed numerous charges against the detained participants, including accusations of sedition. Meanwhile, Judge Karina Andrade, who released a majority of the detained individuals, justified her ruling by stating that necessary identification details were lacking in the detainments, emphasizing the need for continuing investigations.
Conflicting perspectives on the protest’s nature have emerged within Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza. Vice-President Victoria Villarruel called for acknowledgment of violence from all sides and refrained from condemning the protesters, which highlighted internal friction regarding governmental responses to civil unrest.
Additionally, President Milei announced his cancellation of a planned trip to Spain, opting instead to travel exclusively to Israel later this month. This decision was influenced by recent events in Argentina, with the Fundación Club de los Viernes noting that both Argentina and Milei have faced attempts at destabilization.
This situation underscores the growing tension between police actions, civil protests, and political responses in Argentina under the Milei administration.
In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s administration faces significant challenges following the violent protests by pensioners, which led to mass arrests and injuries. His strong pledge to penalize those inciting violence signifies a hardline stance, while internal divisions within his party reflect ongoing debates about the appropriate response to civil protests. Additionally, the cancellation of an international trip may indicate the need for political stability amid these events. The situation continues to evolve as all parties navigate the complexities of governance and public dissent in Argentina.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
