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Argentine Pensioners and Soccer Fans Protest Austerity, Clashing with Police

Demonstrators in Buenos Aires decry President Milei's spending cuts as pensions fall far below inflation and living costs rise.

Demonstrators push against a car, next to a demonstrator wearing a costume in the likeness of Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, as football fans join the weekly protest of retirees against Argentinian President Javier Milei's adjustment policies, near the National Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Soccer fans join retirees protesting for higher pensions and against austerity measures implemented by Javier Milei's government in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Medics tend to a photographer injured during clashes that broke out as soccer fans joined retirees demanding higher pensions and opposing austerity measures implemented by Javier Milei's government in Buenos AIres, Argentina, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
Police hold up shields during clashes against soccer fans who joined retirees protesting for higher pensions and against austerity measures implemented by Javier Milei's government in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Overview

  • Protesters, including pensioners and soccer fans, clashed with police near Congress in Buenos Aires during a demonstration against austerity measures.
  • Police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, some of whom threw stones and set fires in the streets.
  • The protests, typically small weekly gatherings by retirees, swelled in size after soccer fan groups from rival teams united in solidarity with pensioners.
  • President Javier Milei's austerity policies, including pension cuts and the removal of price controls on medicines, have left many retirees struggling to afford basic needs.
  • Security Minister Patricia Bullrich condemned the protests, labeling participants as 'hooligans,' while opposition figures criticized the government's handling of the crisis.