Clashes erupt over failed pension vote
Clashes erupted outside Argentina's Congress as police confronted protesters demanding higher pensions after lawmakers failed to achieve the necessary quorum to vote on pension increases. Only 124 out of the required 129 lawmakers attended, with 133 absent, leading to frustration among activists and retirees who gathered to voice their concerns. The proposed legislation aimed to increase pensions and provide bonuses for those on minimum wage.
Protesters, including elderly citizens, were seen chanting and singing as security forces used riot shields and batons to push through the crowd in Buenos Aires. The government of President Javier Milei, which has implemented austerity measures to combat high inflation, opposed the pension proposals, arguing that any increase in pensions would require higher wages and contributions from workers.
Opposition lawmakers criticized their peers for failing to support the pension increase, with some accusing the government of neglecting the needs of the poor. Lawmaker Paula Oliveto from the Civic Coalition party emphasized that the country’s democracy should not ignore the plight of pensioners living on approximately $331 a month. Socialist Party representative Esteban Paulon condemned the scene in Congress, where some lawmakers reportedly laughed as the session collapsed due to lack of quorum.
Since Milei took office in late 2023, protests against pension cuts have intensified, with unions and soccer fans joining retirees in their demands. Government data indicates that around 38% of the population, or 11.3 million people, were living in poverty in the latter half of last year, a decrease from 53% earlier in the year. The ongoing tensions reflect the broader economic struggles facing Argentina as the government seeks to balance spending cuts with the needs of its citizens.
