Retirees have been gathering every week in Argentina’s capital to protest in opposition to cuts to their pensions, which have dried up since libertarian President Javier Milei took workplace in late 2023.
However sudden assist got here from soccer supporters on Wednesday, after earlier protests in Buenos Aires ended with a number of injured aged.
One white-haired lady held up a shirt that learn, “Don’t hit us, we’re your dad and mom!”
Behind her stood supporters of Boca Juniors and Racing Membership – two of Argentina’s “Large 5” groups – in addition to followers of native crew Chacarita Juniors, who first launched the decision to indicate up on Wednesday for the retirees’ weekly protest.
The soccer followers adopted a phrase from Argentinian nice Diego Maradona of their march – “How might I not defend retirees? You’d should be an actual coward to not defend retirees.”
Milei has slashed pension payouts as a part of a authorities spending overhaul meant to tamp down rampant inflation.
However that has come to the detriment of Argentina’s most weak, the opposition alleges.
“We’re in favour of cleansing up public funds,” centre-left Senator Martin Lousteau mentioned in a submit on X. “What we will’t let occur is for these fixes to occur on the anguish, well being and abandonment of our retirees.”
Wednesday’s protest additionally led to violence, with Safety Minister Patricia Bullrich warning the so-called “barra bravas” that there could be legislation and order.
Police used water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the hundreds of protesters exterior of Congress after some have been seen throwing rocks and different objects. Bullrich mentioned greater than 100 individuals have been detained, and several other have been injured.
