On Wednesday, Argentine pensioners and soccer fans engaged in a violent confrontation with the police during a protest outside Congress, denouncing the economic policies introduced by President Javier Milei’s administration. The unusual alliance saw retirees from Buenos Aires joined by supporters of rival soccer teams.

The protest, which began peacefully, turned into violent clashes as the police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and pellets, while the protesters threw stones. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship,” drawing parallels between his rule and Argentina’s military junta of 1976-1983.

The protests have been ongoing for weeks, as retirees demand increased pensions, citing a difficult standard of living. Although previous demonstrations resulted in scuffles with authorities, including the deployment of tear gas against the elderly, the level of unrest seen on Wednesday was unprecedented.

The Milei government has implemented significant public spending cuts since taking office a year and a half ago. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich accused the protesters of being “hooligans” and posted pictures and videos on social media, emphasizing the importance of the law over hooliganism or the left.

Pensioners have been disproportionately affected by the austerity measures, with pension increases failing to keep pace with inflation. Nearly 60% of pensioners receive only the minimum amount, approximately $340 per month.

President Milei vetoed a law that would have increased pensions to match inflation last year and also removed price controls on medicines, leaving some pensioners struggling to afford both food and essential medication.

(Edited by: Sean Sinico)

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/argentina-pensioners-and-soccer-fans-unite-in-protests/a-71905118?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf