Protests against pension reforms in Argentina have united retirees and football fans. While retirees decried cuts to their pensions under President Milei, football supporters joined to show solidarity. The demonstrations turned violent, resulting in police intervention and injuries, raising questions about the government’s treatment of vulnerable populations.
In Buenos Aires, a significant gathering occurred where football fans and retirees protested against pension reform. Retirees have been meeting weekly to voice their concerns regarding pension cuts implemented since the inauguration of libertarian President Javier Milei in late 2023. The situation intensified on Wednesday when football supporters joined the protests, following previous incidents where several elderly protesters sustained injuries.
During the demonstration, a woman with white hair displayed a shirt stating, “Don’t hit us, we are your parents!” Alongside her were supporters from Boca Juniors, Racing Club, and Chacarita Juniors, the latter being the organizing force behind the protest. The football fans echoed sentiments from famed Argentinian player Diego Maradona: “How could I not defend retirees? You’d have to be a real coward to not defend retirees.”
President Milei has enacted pension reductions as part of a broader government effort to manage excessive inflation. Nevertheless, opposition leaders claim this strategy harms the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Senator Martin Lousteau expressed on social media, “What we can’t let happen is for these fixes to happen on the anguish, health and abandonment of our retirees.”
The protest escalated into violence, prompting Security Minister Patricia Bullrich to enforce law and order against the so-called “barra bravas”—hardcore football fans. In response to rocks and other projectiles thrown by protesters, police deployed water cannons and rubber bullets, resulting in over 100 detentions and numerous injuries among the participants outside Congress.
In summary, the recent protests in Argentina reflect the growing dissent among retirees against pension reforms under President Javier Milei’s administration, heightened by the unexpected support from football fans. Despite the government’s rationale for financial restructuring, criticisms exist regarding the detrimental impact on vulnerable retirees. The events culminated in violent clashes, raising concerns about public safety and governance.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
