Oppose Argentina's low pension riots

Demonstrators and police clashed fiercely in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, following protests over austerity measures imposed by Argentina's right-wing liberal President Javier Milei, who had at least 124 arrested and 46 injured.

As reported by newspaper La Nación, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, who threw stones at police officers and shot at police cars and garbage dumpsters. According to the document, police arrested at least 150 people and several were injured in the conflict.

Argentina's security ministry said 124 people were arrested in a statement late Wednesday. It also said 26 members of the city security forces and police were injured and taken to hospital, including one who was injured and underwent surgery.

The ministry also reported that 20 injuries were reported among the protesters, one of whom was in serious condition. Local media reported that photographers covering the protests were in critical condition after being hit by tear gas cans in the head.

The ministry confirmed that there were many football Ultras among the protesters. The so-called “Barrabravas” have a great influence in Argentina and are linked to criminal underworlds.

According to media reports, members of various left-wing groups and unions also participated in demonstrations in front of the Congress.

In a statement, the Argentine Federation of Trade Unions CGT condemned the so-called “barbaric action” of the Meley administration, “meaningless and unconsciously suppressing the demonstrations in the square today.”

The union accused the police force of using “brutality” to curb demonstrations and hurt people “including pensioners, protesters, media workers, and even some unsuspecting pedestrians in the area.”

Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof also condemned the “fever, illegal and premeditated” of the protests.

“Violence against pensioners and citizens, protesting austerity measures. What happened today is an attack on fundamental democratic rights,” the governor said in an article on X.

“While photographers fight for their lives, government spokespersons lie to prove violence and spread hatred. This authoritarian rampant must be stopped urgently.”

Milei took office in December 2023 and began radical reforms. Thousands of civil servants were fired and social plans were greatly reduced.

Although his austerity measures greatly reduced inflation, they also stifled the economy. In this once in a shortfall, more than 50% of people now live below the poverty line.