On March 12, police violently suppressed a protest in Buenos Aires by pensioners against benefit cuts, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. This event underscored the escalating repression under President Javier Milei’s administration. Protests are expected to grow, prompting the government to intensify its aggressive tactics to quell dissent.
On March 12, federal and municipal police in Buenos Aires violently confronted thousands of pensioners, workers, and soccer fans protesting in Congress Plaza Square against cuts to social security pensions. This event marked one of the most severe instances of state repression since the protests in December 2001, which led to the resignation of President Fernando de la Rúa. Protesters demanded an end to these austerity measures, restoration of medical benefits, and protection against inflation.
The demonstrators rallied weekly, and recent protests have seen an increase in attendance, particularly following support from transit workers. The Milei administration has been accused of orchestrating provocations to justify assaults on the right to free speech and democratic freedoms, with Security Minister Patricia Bullrich dispatching over 1,000 police to disperse the crowds well before the assembly began.
The clash resulted in significant injuries, with 672 individuals wounded and 114 arrested; those detained were released hours later. Among the serious casualties, an 87-year-old pensioner was assaulted, and a press photographer suffered severe head injuries requiring surgery. Accounts of a police provocateur attempting to plant a firearm at the protest surfaced, along with videos showing police engaging in aggressive tactics against demonstrators.
Reflecting on the continuing struggles faced by the media under Milei’s regime, Alejandra Bartoliche, vice president of the Graphic Reporters Association, highlighted the repeated targeting of journalists at protests. The renewed use of banned weapons against demonstrators following the recent legislation changes has raised concerns regarding the safety of both protesters and the press.
In response to the aggression against journalists and pensioners, protests erupted not only in Buenos Aires but also in Montevideo, Uruguay, with journalists expressing solidarity. As the Milei administration braces for anticipated larger demonstrations, proactive measures, including establishing barriers around key government sites, signal an impending escalation in state repression.
During an agricultural exposition, President Milei insulted retirees losing benefits, revealing his government’s stance on law enforcement and dissent. He referred to protestors seeking their rights as “bad guys” while portraying police as the “good guys.” With ongoing international support, Milei’s actions reflect a broader trend towards authoritarian rule in the context of heightened social inequality and dissent.
The violent suppression of pensioners’ protests in Buenos Aires highlights the increasing repression under President Javier Milei’s administration, which has risen to one of the most severe in recent history. The government’s aggressive approach to dissent and the targeting of journalists raise significant concerns regarding democracy, press freedom, and civil liberties in Argentina. Anticipating greater protests, the administration is poised to continue with repressive tactics, signifying a concerning trajectory towards authoritarian governance.
Original Source: www.wsws.org
