Argentine pension protests turn violent

Argentine retirees and soccer hooligans clashed with security forces during a protest against President Javier Milei's pension cuts outside the Congress in Buenos Aires. The demonstration turned violent as police deployed water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of protesters.

The weekly demonstrations, which typically feature elderly citizens demanding improved pensions and restoration of free medication programs, took an unexpected turn when hooligan groups from major soccer clubs including Boca Juniors and Racing joined the protest. This unusual alliance formed after previous demonstrations had resulted in injuries to elderly protesters.

Security forces responded forcefully when some demonstrators began throwing rocks and other objects. Police used tear gas alongside water cannons and rubber bullets to control the crowd. The confrontation resulted in nearly 90 arrests and 15 hospitalizations, including a police officer who sustained a gunshot wound.

President Milei's libertarian administration has significantly reduced pension payments since taking office in late 2023 as part of broader austerity measures aimed at controlling Argentina's rampant inflation. Critics argue these cuts have disproportionately affected the country's most vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly.

The participation of soccer fans from rival teams represents a growing unity among diverse social groups against the government's economic policies. Soccer supporters reportedly adopted a phrase from Diego Maradona to emphasize the importance of defending pensioners' rights.

In response to the unrest, the Ministry of Security announced plans to ban individuals involved in the riots from entering soccer stadiums, signaling concerns about escalating violence.

This incident marks one of the most significant instances of police intervention against protesters since Milei took office, highlighting the increasing social tensions as Argentina grapples with economic challenges.