Police battle unlikely combination of retirees and soccer hooligans in Argentina riots
Argentine retirees and soccer fans clashed with police during a protest in Buenos Aires against the economic policies of President Javier Milei.
Argentine retirees and fans of several soccer teams clashed with police Wednesday during a protest in front of Congress in the capital, Buenos Aires, against the economic policies implemented by the government of President Javier Milei.
What started as a peaceful demonstration escalated into violent clashes as police deployed water cannons, tear gas, and pellets against stone-throwing protesters.
For weeks, Buenos Aires retirees have held weekly protests demanding higher pensions, citing a precarious standard of living. While previous demonstrations involved minor incidents, including tear gas use against the elderly, Wednesday’s protest was unprecedented in scale.
Pensioners and members of labor unions gather to protest against the government pension system and the cutback of benefits and rights. Tomas Cuesta / Getty ImagesThe government of far-right President Javier Milei, who has championed a policy of public spending cuts since coming to power a year and a half ago, had warned of restrictions on entry to stadiums for those who cause disorder.Police deployed shotguns and water hoses before the scheduled 5:00 p.m. protest (4:00 p.m. EST).
Clashes erupted when a large group of Boca Juniors soccer fans, waving flags and chanting in support of the retirees, arrived. Police formed a cordon to block their advance toward Congress.
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