Retirees protest Milei's spending cuts
Thousands of retirees and union members converged in Buenos Aires to protest President Javier Milei's austerity measures, which demonstrators claim have severely undermined their purchasing power and access to essential medications. The protest, which saw strong backing from Argentina's largest union, served as a precursor to a nationwide 24-hour strike affecting multiple sectors.
Many retirees, including voices like Walter Piriz and Ricardo Bouche, passionately decried the cuts that have diminished their financial security. National deputy Vilma Ripoll highlighted that Milei's fiscal policies have disproportionately targeted the elderly by slashing their incomes and benefits, despite the government's reported success in curbing inflation. Critics warn that this approach, while fiscally conservative, has deepened social inequality and increased hardship for vulnerable populations.
The current unrest is part of a broader wave of protests led by retirees opposing the administration's reductions in pensions and social services. Weekly demonstrations outside the National Congress in Buenos Aires have become a regular occurrence, reflecting growing discontent among the senior community. The situation escalated on March 12, 2025, when a peaceful protest turned violent. Argentine police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, resulting in at least 15 injuries and the arrest of over 100 demonstrators.
In an unexpected show of solidarity, football fans from clubs such as Boca Juniors, Racing, and Chacarita Juniors joined the ranks of the elderly protesters, echoing the sentiments of the late football legend Diego Maradona, who famously stood up in defense of retirees.
The administration now faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its most vulnerable citizens, with far-reaching implications for the country's social welfare policies.
