Football Fans and Pensioners Clash with Police in Buenos Aires Pension Reform Protest
Argentine police clashed with protesters in Buenos Aires on Wednesday as thousands gathered outside Congress to oppose President Javier Milei’s pension cuts.
The demonstration turned violent when police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons at the crowd. The protest united unlikely allies as football fans from rival clubs joined elderly pensioners in their weekly demonstration.
Supporters of Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing, and other teams responded to calls for solidarity with the retirees. Police reported 124 arrests and at least 20 injuries during the two-hour confrontation.
Protesters threw stones, firecrackers, and stun grenades while chanting “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!” Demonstrators set a police car and garbage bins on fire. They also barricaded streets with debris while officers aggressively pushed back the crowd.
A video showing a police officer pushing an elderly woman to the ground went viral on social media. The woman suffered a bleeding head wound, further fueling public outrage.
Many protesters carried pictures of Diego Maradona and quoted his famous 1992 statement: “You have to be a real coward not to defend retirees.”
Tensions Escalate Over Pension Cuts in Argentina
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich blamed “hooligans” for the violence. She posted images on social media showing police confronting protesters she described as violent individuals.
Pensioners have held weekly Wednesday protests since Milei took office in late 2023. Their economic situation has worsened under his austerity measures.
Nearly 60 percent of Argentine retirees receive only the minimum pension of $340 monthly. Inflation has severely eroded their purchasing power, forcing many to choose between food and medicine.
Milei previously vetoed legislation that would have increased pension payments. He also eliminated price controls on medications as part of his economic reform package.
Senator Martin Lousteau criticized the government’s approach. “We support efforts to improve public finances,” he said. “What we cannot allow is adjustments at the expense of retirees’ wellbeing and dignity.”
The protest marks the most violent demonstration yet against Milei’s economic policies. Pensioners vow to continue their weekly protests despite growing tensions with authorities.
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