SEE: Argentine police brutalize pensioners
Pensioners and football enthusiasts engaged in confrontations with law enforcement amid demonstrations opposing Javier Milei's austerity measures. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Security forces faced off against retirees and football hooligans during protests opposing President Javier Milei’s austerity measures in Argentina.
On Wednesday, a demonstration outside Argentina’s Congress escalated into violence as pensioners and football fans united against the president's economic policies. Reports indicate that police used rubber bullets and tear gas against the protesters, who retaliated by throwing stones and setting dumpsters on fire.
In Buenos Aires, retirees have been organizing weekly protests to demand higher pensions, citing deteriorating living conditions. Although previous demonstrations had seen minor disturbances, including instances of tear gas being deployed against elderly protesters, Wednesday's event was described by observers as the most intense yet.
What started as a peaceful assembly quickly devolved into clashes, with police resorting to water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets as crowds responded with stone-throwing. Local media reported that a thick cloud of tear gas enveloped the congressional palace. Amid the turmoil, a police vehicle was set on fire, and dumpsters throughout the city blazed.
Videos shared on social media depicted police beating and dragging protesters, including footage of an 87-year-old woman sustaining a head injury while bystanders rushed to assist her.
Alleged football hooligans among the crowds were reported to have thrown sticks and cans at law enforcement. With around 800 officers on the ground, the police took aggressive measures to dispel the demonstration.
According to the Buenos Aires Herald, the violent clashes resulted in over 200 injuries, with 20 individuals hospitalized and more than 100 arrested.
The Milei administration has implemented sweeping cuts to public spending since taking office in late 2023. This has led to reductions in budgets for education, health, and public works, as well as the elimination of subsidies for energy and transportation.
Retirees have borne the brunt of these austerity measures; a report from the Center of Argentine Political Economy revealed that government spending on pensions in January was down 19% compared to the same month in 2023.
Additionally, the administration has also discontinued a program that provided free medication, putting further pressure on the elderly population. Nearly 60% of retirees in Argentina reportedly rely on the minimum state pension, which is approximately $340 per month.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Wednesday, a demonstration outside Argentina’s Congress escalated into violence as pensioners and football fans united against the president's economic policies. Reports indicate that police used rubber bullets and tear gas against the protesters, who retaliated by throwing stones and setting dumpsters on fire.
In Buenos Aires, retirees have been organizing weekly protests to demand higher pensions, citing deteriorating living conditions. Although previous demonstrations had seen minor disturbances, including instances of tear gas being deployed against elderly protesters, Wednesday's event was described by observers as the most intense yet.
What started as a peaceful assembly quickly devolved into clashes, with police resorting to water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets as crowds responded with stone-throwing. Local media reported that a thick cloud of tear gas enveloped the congressional palace. Amid the turmoil, a police vehicle was set on fire, and dumpsters throughout the city blazed.
Videos shared on social media depicted police beating and dragging protesters, including footage of an 87-year-old woman sustaining a head injury while bystanders rushed to assist her.
Alleged football hooligans among the crowds were reported to have thrown sticks and cans at law enforcement. With around 800 officers on the ground, the police took aggressive measures to dispel the demonstration.
According to the Buenos Aires Herald, the violent clashes resulted in over 200 injuries, with 20 individuals hospitalized and more than 100 arrested.
The Milei administration has implemented sweeping cuts to public spending since taking office in late 2023. This has led to reductions in budgets for education, health, and public works, as well as the elimination of subsidies for energy and transportation.
Retirees have borne the brunt of these austerity measures; a report from the Center of Argentine Political Economy revealed that government spending on pensions in January was down 19% compared to the same month in 2023.
Additionally, the administration has also discontinued a program that provided free medication, putting further pressure on the elderly population. Nearly 60% of retirees in Argentina reportedly rely on the minimum state pension, which is approximately $340 per month.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
