At least 15 people were injured and over 100 arrested in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a protest against President Javier Milei’s economic policies, which include cuts to pensions. The clash, which involved football fans and retirees, erupted as demonstrators expressed their anger over the government’s actions.
On Wednesday, riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse crowds of protesters who were throwing stones. Among the injured were a police officer who was shot and a protester struck in the head by a tear gas canister. Many of the injured were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Retirees have been protesting weekly since Milei took office in late 2023, voicing their frustrations over pension cuts that have left many struggling. This week, they joined forces with football fans to amplify their message. The protests intensified after a video surfaced showing an elderly man in a football jersey being beaten by police, sparking outrage across social media.
Jose, a pensioner who participated in the protest, shared his struggles, stating that many retirees are unable to afford medicine due to the cuts. The situation worsened when the Ministry of Security announced a new resolution banning anyone who disrupts traffic or engages in violence from entering soccer stadiums, further angering football fans.
As tensions rose, the crowd chanted slogans comparing Milei’s government to Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Clashes broke out near the Congress building and the iconic Plaza de Mayo, leading to a heavy police presence in the area. Protesters used firecrackers and threw stones, while some set a patrol car and garbage cans on fire.
Among the most serious injuries was that of photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who was hit by a projectile while covering the event. His father expressed concern for his son’s life and blamed the government for the violence.
The protests come amid a backdrop of drastic austerity measures that have deeply affected retirees. Many receive only the minimum pension, which is about $340 per month, and last year, Milei vetoed a law that would have increased pensions, even slightly.
Emotions are running high in Argentina, especially with the recent start of a trial for seven medical staff accused of negligence in the care of football legend Diego Maradona, who died in 2020. The protests reflect a broader discontent with the current administration’s handling of economic issues and the impact on vulnerable populations.