Violence Erupts in Buenos Aires Amid Protests Against Low Pensions
Protests in Buenos Aires erupted into violence following a demonstration against low pensions linked to austerity measures by President Javier Milei. Police responded with tear gas, resulting in over 124 arrests and numerous injuries. Governor Axel Kicillof and labor unions condemned the police response as brutal repression of democratic rights.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a protest against low pension benefits turned violent, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police on Wednesday. The unrest was fueled by austerity measures imposed by President Javier Milei’s administration, resulting in the arrest of at least 124 individuals and injuring 46 others. Police utilized tear gas and rubber bullets as demonstrators retaliated with stones, igniting fires involving police vehicles and trash bins, as reported by La Nación.
The Argentine Security Ministry later confirmed that 124 individuals were apprehended, while 26 officers sustained injuries, including one serious gunshot wound requiring surgery. Protester injuries included 20 individuals, one in critical condition, along with reports of a photographer critical after being struck by a tear gas canister. The presence of football ultras, known as “Barrabravas,” alongside leftist factions and labor unions intensified the demonstration in front of the Congressional building.
The trade union federation CGT condemned the government’s response, characterizing it as a brutal and illegal suppression of their constitutional rights. They accused law enforcement of recklessly injuring various individuals, including pensioners and journalists, who were present during the altercation.
Governor Axel Kicillof also criticized the police’s actions, describing the repression as “ferocious, illegal, and premeditated.” He labeled the violence to suppress peaceful protesters as an assault on fundamental democratic principles. Governor Kicillof remarked on social media that as a photographer fought for their life, spokespersons for the government spread misinformation, justifying violent reprisals against protesters.
Following President Milei’s change in governance since December 2023, substantial austerity policies were enacted, including significant cuts in social programs and the dismissal of thousands of civil servants. While such measures have alleviated some inflationary pressures, they concurrently contributed to a severe economic downturn where over half of the population now lives below the poverty threshold.
The protests in Buenos Aires against the government’s austerity cuts have highlighted the rising tensions in Argentina due to President Javier Milei’s policies. With significant casualties reported and widespread criticism of police tactics, the events underscore the ongoing struggle for basic rights in face of economic hardship. The situation remains precarious as the government seeks to implement further reforms amid public unrest.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
