Retirees Clash with Police Over Pension Reform

Retirees clashed with riot police during a protest held in Buenos Aires against President Javier Milei's veto of a pension reform that would have increased their pensions, among other benefits.

Riot police blocked protesters near the National Congress building, as retirees pushed and hit their shields. Many shouted slogans and held signs reading "Do not mess with the elderly," demanding their retirement rights.

Milei vetoed a pension reform that had been passed by Congress last month, saying the measure would have an impact on public accounts, a publication in the country's official gazette showed.

Right-wing libertarian Milei took office in December and implemented strict austerity measures as part of an attempt to contain triple-digit inflation despite rising poverty in the South American country.

Lawmakers had overwhelmingly approved the reform that would hike pensions in line with inflation. The president had previously said he would veto it, widening his rift with the opposition-controlled Congress.

Peronist and left-wing lawmakers interrupted an address by Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos in the Chamber of Deputies, leaving their seats in objection to the police crackdown on retirees outside the house. The abrupt exodus of around 100 deputies meant that the session fell through.

Police were using tear gas, pepper spray, and batons to thwart a demonstration spearheaded by retirees protesting against Javier Milei’s presidential veto on a pension increase that was approved by both chambers.

The vetoed formula, which was going to set a minimum stipend of 109% of the basic food basket, would have increased retirees’ monthly payments by $15.1 at the official rate, to $324.4 at the official rate.

According to a report by the Congress’ Budget Office, the update would have implied spending 0.45% of the country’s GDP over the year.