Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich faces demands for resignation following police violence against pensioners protesting low pensions and medication cuts. The protest involved over 1,000 riot police, resulting in many injuries, including a photographer in critical condition. Opposition leaders condemn the government’s harsh response amid ongoing financial struggles faced by retirees.
Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich is facing significant pressure to resign following a violent police response during a pensioners’ protest that left a photographer in critical condition and numerous others injured. Over 1,000 riot police employed teargas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators advocating for increased pensions and the restoration of vital free medications, which have been reduced under President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
The protest attracted more participants than usual, notably including supporters from major football clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate. Demonstrators expressed their concerns through signs reading, “Don’t hit us, we are your parents,” and “Help me fight – you’ll be the next elderly person,” highlighting their vulnerability amid escalating tensions. However, the situation turned violent when police deployed teargas and began pushing back against the crowd.
As chaos unfolded, footage on social media depicted disturbing scenes, including an elderly woman being struck by a baton and a man in a football shirt being assaulted. Freelance photographer Pablo Grillo sustained severe injuries from a teargas canister, leading to a skull fracture and subsequent emergency surgery; he currently remains in an induced coma. His father, Fabián Grillo, directed blame at both the president and Bullrich, stating, “My son’s life is in danger.”
The Argentinian Graphic Reporters Association has publicly called for Bullrich’s resignation, condemning the violence against Grillo. Their statement expressed the need for immediate accountability, asserting that failure to act would implicate President Milei in Bullrich’s actions. Amidst the protests, skirmishes erupted as some individuals resorted to throwing stones and setting a police vehicle and trash cans ablaze, leading to over 500 reported injuries and more than 100 detentions.
Axel Kicillof, the opposition governor, denounced the government’s “ferocious, illegal and premeditated” response, criticizing officials for spreading false narratives while ignoring the plight of those affected by violence. Retirees facing financial hardships have been particularly hard-hit during Milei’s tenure, as contributions and inflation continue to complicate their ability to obtain adequate pensions and medications. Liliana Morono, a 73-year-old pensioner, voiced her frustrations, declaring her disbelief that anyone would support the current government and lamenting the hardships faced by the elderly population.
Manuel Adorni, the presidential spokesperson, dismissed the protest as politically motivated, while Bullrich defended law enforcement’s actions, maintaining that the law prevails in Argentina despite allegations of excessive force.
In summary, the violent police response to the pensioners’ protest in Argentina has raised serious calls for Security Minister Patricia Bullrich’s resignation. The alarming situation highlighted the challenges retirees face under President Javier Milei’s austerity policies, leading to widespread injuries and significant public outcry. The actions of law enforcement have drawn condemnation from opposition leaders and organizations advocating for accountability and justice for affected individuals, particularly the critically injured photographer, Pablo Grillo.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com