Retirees in Argentina’s capital protest against pension cuts initiated by President Javier Milei, facing support from football fans. The protests have turned violent, resulting in injuries and arrests, with critics arguing reforms harm vulnerable citizens while the government insists on necessary financial overhaul.
In Argentina’s capital, retirees have been consistently gathering to protest against pension cuts initiated by libertarian President Javier Milei, who assumed office in late 2023. The situation escalated when football supporters joined the protest, especially following violent confrontations in earlier gatherings, which resulted in injuries to several elderly participants.
During the protests, an emotional plea was made by a white-haired woman holding a shirt that stated, “Don’t hit us, we are your parents!” alongside fans from prominent teams such as Boca Juniors, Racing Club, and Chacarita Juniors, who sparked this show of solidarity. Their involvement marked a significant merging of social and sports activism.
The football fans drew inspiration from renowned Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, using the phrase, “How could I not defend retirees? You’d have to be a real coward to not defend retirees,” demonstrating their commitment to the cause. In response, President Milei’s government has defended the cuts as necessary for stabilizing Argentina’s economy amid rampant inflation, while critics argue that these measures disproportionately harm the most vulnerable citizens.
Centre-left Senator Martin Lousteau expressed his concerns on social media, stating that while public finance reform is essential, it must not come at the expense of retirees’ welfare and dignity. The protests turned violent with warnings issued by Security Minister Patricia Bullrich to the so-called “barra bravas,” resulting in police intervention that included water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protestors who resorted to throwing rocks. Law enforcement reported over 100 arrests and multiple injuries during the tumultuous event.
The protests in Argentina highlight the significant backlash against pension reforms introduced by President Javier Milei. Joining forces with football supporters, retirees express their frustration regarding cuts to their pensions, which have adversely impacted their lives. While the government emphasizes the need for financial stability, opponents argue these changes harm the most vulnerable segments of society. Violence during the protests underscores the growing tensions surrounding this contentious issue.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
