Argentinian Riot Police Deploy Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Water Cannon Against Pension Cut Protesters

Local authorities confirmed that the wounded were transported to medical facilities, including a police officer who had sustained a gunshot and a protester struck by a tear gas canister in the head.

Every week, retirees have been assembling to oppose the diminishing of their pensions, a situation that has exacerbated since libertarian President Milei assumed office in late 2023. They joined forces with fan groups from various soccer clubs for the latest demonstration.
Inspired by a viral video depicting an elderly man in a football jersey being assaulted by police, thousands more participated in the protests. One participant, a retiree named Jose, recounted for Al Jazeera that retirees have been barred from accessing necessary medications and faced reduced pensions.
Soccer fans were further incensed after the Argentine Ministry of Security posted a resolution on Wednesday, forbidding individuals involved in disrupting traffic and security or engaging in “violent conduct” from attending soccer matches.
Protesters chanted slogans like “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!” to equate his governance with the 1976-1983 Argentine military dictatorship, as confrontations unfolded near the Congress building and the historic Plaza de Mayo
Among the casualties, photojournalist Pablo Grillo suffered severe injuries when hit by a projectile while taking pictures. His father, Fabian, blamed the Milei administration for his son’s critical condition.

Severe Austerity Measures

The protests, which drew participants waving national flags and images of football icon Diego Maradona, faced a significant law enforcement presence outside Congress, which was in session when demonstrations commenced.
Riot police, both on foot and on motorbikes, fought for over two hours to clear a major thoroughfare crowded with protesters who threw firecrackers, stun grenades, and stones from broken pavements.
Several buildings burned, including a police car and trash cans, with barricades erected across multiple streets using debris.
A widely shared video shows a police officer pushing and hitting an elderly woman, causing her to fall and bleed. High emotions have marked the South American nation, especially as trials began for seven medical staff accused of homicide in Maradona‘s 2020 death.
Maradona, the football legend, passed away alone in a rented Buenos Aires residence he was in after brain surgery. His medical team stands accused of severe professional negligence.
In a year marked by drastic austerity measures, retirees have borne the brunt, with pension increases failing to keep up with inflation rates. Nearly 60 percent of retirees only receive the basic stipend, around $340 per month.
Last year, Milei vetoed a bill that would have raised pensions, albeit not to match inflation rates.