Soccer Solidarity: Fans Join Grannies Protesting Low Pensions
Argentine soccer fans and retirees clashed with police in Buenos Aires Wednesday in one of the most violent protests yet against the austerity policies implemented by President Javier Milei, France 24 reported.
Every Wednesday for the past year, pensioners have hit the streets in demonstrations that have generally stayed small and peaceful.
However, during this week’s protests, a large group of soccer fans arrived, waving flags in support of the pensioners, the Associated Press reported. The crowd chanted “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!” and “Don’t touch the elderly.”
Police formed a cordon to block their march toward Congress and used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water hoses to scatter the protesters, who threw firecrackers, stun grenades, and stones in response.
More than 20 people were injured and more than 100 were arrested.
A video showing a police officer pushing and hitting an elderly woman who fell onto the ground, with her head bleeding, went viral on social media.
Milei was elected on a promise to stabilize the economy and the country’s budget. As a result, he has made numerous cuts to social services and benefits. Retirees have taken the biggest hit.
Milei last year vetoed a law that would have increased pensions.
Subscribe today and GlobalPost will be in your inbox the next weekday morning
Join us today and pay only $32.95 for an annual subscription, or less than $3 a month for our unique insights into crucial developments on the world stage. It’s by far the best investment you can make to expand your knowledge of the world.
And you get a free two-week trial with no obligation to continue.
