Clashes erupted between security forces and protesters, including pensioners and football fans, demonstrating against Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
On Wednesday, a protest against President Javier Milei’s economic policies outside Argentina’s Congress turned violent. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas against demonstrators, including pensioners and football hooligans, who responded with stones and burning dumpsters, according to media reports.
Retirees in Buenos Aires have been holding weekly protests to demand higher pensions due to worsening living conditions. While previous demonstrations saw minor skirmishes, Wednesday’s protest was reportedly the largest and most intense, according to observers, with tear gas previously used against the elderly.
Reports indicate that a peaceful demonstration escalated into violent clashes, with police deploying water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Protesters responded by throwing stones. Local media reported that tear gas heavily affected the area around the congressional palace. During the unrest, a police car was set on fire, and dumpsters were torched throughout the city.
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Social media videos showed police beating and dragging protesters, including an 87-year-old woman who sustained a head injury and was assisted by bystanders.
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Some of the football hooligans allegedly threw sticks and cans at officers. Approximately 800 officers were deployed to quell the demonstration with a significant police presence.
The Buenos Aires Herald reported that at least 200 protesters were injured in the clashes, with 20 hospitalized and over 100 detained.
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Since taking office in late 2023, the Milei government has implemented extensive public spending cuts, reducing budgets for education, health, and public works, and eliminating subsidies for energy and transportation.
Retirees have been particularly affected by Milei’s austerity measures. A report by the Center of Argentine Political Economy (CEPA) indicated that government spending on pensions in January of this year decreased by 19% compared to January 2023.
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The Milei administration has also discontinued a program providing free medication, further burdening the elderly.
Reportedly, nearly 60% of Argentine retirees receive the minimum state pension, which is approximately $340 (€312) per month.
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