Argentine retirees and soccer fans clashed with police in Buenos Aires during a protest against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. The demonstration escalated to violence, with police using water cannons and tear gas against protesters demanding higher pensions. The event saw unprecedented unity among soccer clubs and retirees, leading to government warnings banning violent fans from stadiums.
On March 12, 2025, in Buenos Aires, Argentine retirees and soccer enthusiasts protested outside Congress against the austerity measures initiated by President Javier Milei’s administration. What began as a peaceful gathering escalated into confrontations with the police, who resorted to using water cannons, tear gas, and non-lethal projectiles to disperse stone-throwing protesters.
Recent weeks saw retirees demanding improved pensions due to their declining living standards. Though prior protests had witnessed minor disturbances, the violence of this demonstration marked a dramatic escalation rarely seen before. The government of President Milei, who significantly advocates for budget cuts, had also instituted early warnings to restrict access to soccer stadiums for those inciting unrest.
Tensions flared as supporters of Boca Juniors, an iconic soccer club, joined forces with retirees, chanting defiantly against any harm to the elderly. As police formed a blockade preventing their movement, high-pressure water cannons were utilized to push back elderly protestors, during which a significant show of unity surfaced among soccer fans and pensioners alike.
In a further response, the Ministry of Security enacted a resolution barring individuals involved in violent activities from attending soccer events. This new regulation indicates that fans who participated in the recent clashes would face prohibition from their stadiums for a yet-to-be-determined duration, highlighting the ongoing strain between the government and the populace regarding its financial policies.
The protests in Buenos Aires reveal a critical public response to austerity measures affecting retirees and their living conditions. The escalating violence between demonstrators and law enforcement underscores the urgent need for dialogue between the government and citizens. The unity displayed by soccer fans with retirees emphasizes a broader societal discontent, while the government’s preventative measures reflect its effort to address unrest amidst rising tensions.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
