Hundreds of protesters faced police on Wednesday (12) in Buenos Aires, in a protest against the policies of President Javier Milei. The demonstration began with retirees, which require readjustments in the benefits, but soon attracted the participation of organized fans of soccer clubs, who added to the choir against the Milei government.
The protests took place on 9 de Julho Avenue and concentrated around Congress, where protesters opposed the fiscal adjustment of the Ultraliberal President. The clashes began around 5 pm, when the, who were trying to unlock the roads in front of the congress, protected by a line of metal barriers.
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During the disorders, protesters launched stones taken from sidewalks, fireworks and moral bombs, while police used pepper spray, rubber bullets and water cannon trucks to try to control the situation. Vehicles and waste containers were set on fire, and at least four people have been arrested, although the total number of arrests has not yet been confirmed.
The tension scenario reflects increasing dissatisfaction with the retirees, which have faced a significant loss of purchasing power after cutting the benefits.
Milei’s measure, nicknamed “”, resulted in drastic cuts in public spending to combat inflation, mainly affecting the elderly. Many retirees have lost part of their income, with readjustments below inflation, as well as facing free access to free medicines.
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The price liberalization policy implemented by Milei also considerably increased the costs of essential drugs and services. Almost 60% of retirees in the country receive the minimum benefit, about $ 340 (R $ 1,980), and the government froze a reinforcement bonus that helped complement this amount.
Wednesday’s protest, which is already a recurring retirement mobilization, has gained new strength when Chacarita fans, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Racing and Independiente joined the cause. The image of a Chacarite retiree being hit by tear gas generated indignation and boosted the presence of the fans. Diego Maradona’s phrase, who claimed to be “very cowardly not to defend the retirees”, became a symbol for the protesters, who sung it in chorus during the march.
In the midst of the protest, protesters shouted to the police: “If they touched the old people, they will have confusion,” while they also sang in support of Maradona: “Olé, Olé, Diego, Diego.”
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The climate of tension in the streets of Buenos Aires is a reflection of the growing dissatisfaction with Milei’s economic policies, which remain a target of criticism.
