Every Wednesday, retirees gather around the National Congress in downtown Buenos Aires to demand better pensions.

Defying the threats from the government of far-right President Javier Milei, thousands of Argentinians joined retirees during the Wednesday march to demand better pensions and respect for their rights.

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“They had to leave a young man on the brink of death and a retired woman with a bloodied head for them to finally let us march in peace,” said Claudia, a retiree referring to the March 12 protest, when police detained over 120 citizens and injured 672 people.

Among the injured is young photographer Pablo Grillo, who remains hospitalized, unconscious, and in critical condition after being struck in the head by a tear gas canister fired by a police officer.

Every Wednesday, Argentinian retirees gather around the National Congress in downtown Buenos Aires to demand better pensions. They also call for the reinstatement of full coverage for their medications and the continuation of the pension moratorium, which expires next Sunday and allows informal workers and homemakers to receive a minimum pension even without having contributed years to the system.

“We came to support the retirees and people with disabilities because they are taking away their pensions. Today, more than ever, we are fighting for that,” said Jose Montero, a citizen who attended the march in a wheelchair, carrying an Argentine flag and a sign that read: “The homeland is not for sale.”

In October 2024, the Milei administration eliminated 180,000 disability pensions, and a week ago, it implemented an audit system to further reduce the number of beneficiaries. These pensions do not even reach US$250 per month.

“I said enough! The life of photographer Grillo, who is on the brink of death, was a breaking point for me,” said Andrea, a woman who retired after a long career as a nurse and teacher.

She explained that her pension barely allows her to make ends meet. She did not march last week, but the police violence unleashed against the elderly motivated her to join the protest on Wednesday.

Yesterday thousands of Argentinians marched toward the National Congress, which was completely barricaded and guarded by police. Near the building, citizens chanted slogans and songs against Milei, demanding the resignation of Security Minister Sandra Bullrich, who is responsible for the police brutality against retirees.

“The police are only good for beating people,” said Luis, a 75-year-old man who continues working to survive. “I used to be in the food service industry and worked weekends and holidays. I made enough money and didn’t starve… Now, with my pension, I’m selling alfajores on the street,” he said.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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