Argentine retirees and football fans clashed with police on Wednesday during a protest outside Congress in Buenos Aires, voicing opposition to the economic policies of President Javier Milei's government. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated as protesters threw stones, prompting police to respond with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber pellets. For weeks, retirees have staged weekly protests demanding higher pensions due to their struggling living conditions. While past demonstrations saw minor incidents, including the use of tear gas against the elderly, Wednesday's protest marked an unprecedented escalation.
The government of far-right President Javier Milei, who has championed public spending cuts since taking office 18 months ago, had warned of restrictions on entry to stadiums for those who disrupt public order. Police deployed shotguns and water hoses ahead of the scheduled 5 p.m. protest. Clashes erupted when numerous Boca Juniors fans, waving flags and shouting slogans of support for the retirees, arrived at the scene. Police formed a blockade to prevent their advance toward Congress, resulting in chaos.
Video footage showed the intense confrontations between police and demonstrators, with high-pressure water cannons pushing back elderly protesters and riot officers battling hundreds of shouting football fans. The pensioners, many of whom have suffered greatly under Milei's austerity policies, shouted, "Don’t touch the elderly" as they faced opposition from the authorities.
Remarkably, fans from Boca Juniors, River Plate, and other Argentine football clubs unified behind the pensioners, who gather every Wednesday to protest against the government's austerity measures. This cooperative effort demonstrated widespread dissent against Milei's leadership. A man wrapped in the Argentine flag held up a sign declaring, "Help me fight. You’ll be the next elderly person." The Ministry of Security issued its own warning on the same day, announcing anyone who engages in violent behavior would be banned from entering football stadiums.
Following the clashes, officials reported at least 20 injuries and over 100 arrests amid the chaotic scenes. The retired population remains particularly vulnerable, with nearly 60 percent relying on the minimum pension of approximately $340 per month, insufficient for basic living expenses. Last year, President Milei vetoed legislation aimed at raising these pensions, which have not kept pace with inflation.
The violent protests served as yet another reminder of the deepening crisis many retirees face. The radical austerity measures implemented by Milei’s administration have led to increased hardships, forcing pensioners to re-evaluate their basic needs. Emotional responses soared during the protests, not only due to economic pressures but also because of the wider political climate. Recent events leading to the trial of medical staff accused of negligent homicide related to Argentine football legend Diego Maradona's death have heightened tensions.
Supporters were seen chanting anti-Milei slogans during the protests, such as "Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!" which criticized the authoritarian nature some believe the current government embodies compared to Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Among the injuries, photojournalist Pablo Grillo suffered severe wounds when hit with projectiles. His father, Fabian, communicated to the press his concerns about his son's precarious condition and placed blame firmly on the government's handling of the unrest.
Social media feeds buzzed with videos showing police pushing and attacking elderly participants, intensifying the outrage. Across the country, reactions were fervent; citizens banged pots and pans, protesting not only against government actions but demanding accountability and justice for the pensioners. The latest developments showcase the strong feelings residents have as they now face heightened dissatisfaction with President Milei's approach.
Calls for solidarity with the pensioners have been circulating, complete with videos of Maradona voicing powerful support for retirees, stating, "You have to be a real coward not to defend retirees." This alignment of football culture with social justice issues presents not only a shared passion for the sport but also for the protection of vulnerable populations against government neglect.
The scenes outside the Congress encapsulate larger frustrations with the fiscal austerity policies against the backdrop of Argentine culture, as football clubs have rallied to extend their influence and visibility to the socio-economic issues affecting their supporters. Protests, with various sports jerseys worn and chants echoing throughout the city, have become more than just demonstrations against pension policies; they represent broader public discontent with governmental policies.
Looking forward, it remains imperative for the government to address the needs of the pensioner demographic and fulfill promises made during earlier campaigns. Increased collaboration between football clubs and community advocacy could pave the way for significant changes and reforms to protect retirees, offering them not just temporary relief but long-term financial stability.