Violent Clashes Erupt in Buenos Aires as Retirees and Football Fans Protest Economic Policies

At least 15 people were injured and more than 100 arrested on Wednesday as protests against President Javier Milei’s economic policies turned violent in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. The demonstrations, initially staged by retirees rallying for higher pensions, were joined by passionate football fans who united in solidarity, leading to intense clashes with police outside Congress.

The protest, which began peacefully, quickly escalated as thousands of pensioners, many of whom are struggling with the rising cost of living, gathered in front of the Argentine Congress. Alongside them were football fans from rival clubs like Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Racing, showing an unexpected unity in their opposition to Milei’s austerity measures.

Protesters were voicing their anger over pension cuts and the government’s economic policies, which they say have severely impacted their standard of living. Many pensioners report receiving only the minimum pension, around $340 per month, which has been further eroded by inflation. In addition, some pensioners have been forced to choose between food and life-saving medication after Milei’s government lifted price controls on drugs.

Tensions reached a boiling point when police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Demonstrators responded by throwing stones, firecrackers, and stun grenades. The protest grew more chaotic as a police car and several garbage bins were set on fire, and protesters barricaded streets with debris. Officers struggled to control the situation for more than two hours.

One of the most shocking moments came when a video surfaced of a police officer pushing an elderly woman to the ground, causing a bleeding head wound. The image went viral on social media, further fueling public outrage. In response, demonstrators chanted, “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!” a comparison to the military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich condemned the protesters, calling them “hooligans” and posting images on social media that showed police confronting the demonstrators. She later defended the use of force, stating, “In Argentina, the law rules, not the hooligans or the left.”

Retirees have been holding weekly protests since Milei took office in late 2023, citing the ongoing decline in their quality of life under his economic policies. Many of them have criticized the president for vetoing a law that would have provided a modest pension increase and for eliminating price controls on essential medications, which have left many elderly people in dire straits.

In response to the unrest, the Ministry of Security issued a new decree banning anyone involved in violent behavior from entering soccer stadiums for a period to be determined by authorities. The measure aims to curb disorder at sports events, but critics argue it unfairly punishes fans who were simply showing support for the pensioners’ cause.

Senator Martin Lousteau criticized the government’s approach to pension reform, stating, “We support efforts to improve public finances, but we cannot allow adjustments at the expense of retirees’ wellbeing and dignity.”