Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons as Protests Hit Buenos Aires

Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons as Protests Hit Buenos Aires \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A peaceful demonstration against President Javier Milei’s austerity policies turned violent in Buenos Aires as retirees and soccer fans clashed with police. Protesters, including supporters from Boca Juniors and River Plate, demanded higher pensions before facing water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. The Argentine government has now banned any protester involved in violence from attending soccer matches.

Buenos Aires Protests Turn Violent: Quick Looks

• Retirees and Soccer Fans Protest Austerity – Pensioners demand higher payouts as Milei’s government implements public spending cuts.
• Massive Clashes Outside Congress – Police use tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets against stone-throwing demonstrators.
• Soccer Fans Join the Fight – Supporters from Boca Juniors, River Plate, and other clubs rally behind retirees.
• Police Block March to Congress – Security forces prevent demonstrators from reaching the Legislative Assembly.
• Government Crackdown on Protesters – Authorities announce a ban on violent demonstrators from entering soccer stadiums.

Deep Look

Retirees and Soccer Fans Join Forces Against Milei’s Austerity Measures

What began as a peaceful demonstration by retirees demanding higher pensions escalated into violent clashes on Wednesday as police confronted thousands of protesters outside Argentina’s Congress in Buenos Aires.

For weeks, Argentine pensioners have been holding weekly protests against low pensions and worsening living conditions. While previous demonstrations saw minor scuffles and tear gas used against elderly protesters, Wednesday’s clashes marked the most violent escalation yet.

This time, they were joined by hundreds of soccer fans from rival teams, including Boca Juniors and River Plate, creating an unprecedented alliance in opposition to President Javier Milei’s austerity policies.

How the Violence Unfolded

The protests were scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m., but authorities had already stationed riot police, deploying water cannons, shotguns, and armored vehicles in preparation for potential disturbances.

Tensions escalated when a large group of Boca Juniors supporters arrived, waving flags and chanting in support of the retirees.

Key Moments of the Clashes:

• Police formed a blockade to stop protesters from advancing toward Congress, sparking stone-throwing and clashes.
• Water cannons were fired at elderly protesters standing near the perimeter of the Legislative Assembly.
• Tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed as some demonstrators retaliated with bottles and debris.
• Protesters chanted “Don’t touch the elderly”, while one man, draped in an Argentine flag, held a sign reading, “Help me fight. You’ll be the next elderly person.”

Despite the violence, retirees and soccer fans stood together, with banners condemning Milei’s deep budget cuts that have left many pensioners struggling to afford basic necessities.

Milei’s Austerity Policies and Growing Discontent

Since taking office a year and a half ago, far-right President Javier Milei has implemented drastic public spending cuts, arguing that Argentina’s economy must be restructured to reduce debt and inflation.

However, these policies have resulted in:

• Lower pension payments for retirees.
• Increased poverty rates among senior citizens.
• Soaring inflation, worsening the cost of living crisis.
• Public outrage from unions, pensioners, and opposition groups.

Many Argentines accuse Milei of prioritizing financial markets over social welfare, leading to rising protests across the country.

Government Crackdown: Soccer Fans Face Stadium Bans

In response to Wednesday’s violence, Argentina’s Ministry of Security issued a new resolution targeting protesters involved in clashes.

Key Government Actions:

• Any protester engaging in violence, disrupting traffic, or causing public disorder will be banned from entering soccer stadiums.
• Authorities will use surveillance footage to identify individuals involved in Wednesday’s clashes.
• Fans arrested or identified in riots could face an indefinite ban from attending their team’s matches.

The ban is part of a broader crackdown on civil unrest, as Milei’s government attempts to control rising dissent. However, critics argue that this is an attempt to silence opposition voices under the guise of security enforcement.

Why Soccer Fans Joined the Protest

The presence of Boca Juniors, River Plate, and other club supporters at a retiree demonstration was unusual yet significant. In Argentina, soccer is deeply intertwined with politics, and many fans see the struggles of retirees as a symbol of the wider economic crisis.

Reasons why soccer fans rallied with pensioners:

• Shared economic struggles – Many working-class fans feel the impact of inflation and government cuts.
• A history of political activism – Argentine soccer clubs have a long tradition of political involvement and protest.
• Anger over government policies – Fans believe Milei’s austerity measures are hurting everyday citizens, not just retirees.

This alliance signals growing unrest across different sections of society, increasing pressure on Milei’s government.

What’s Next for Argentina?

The violent clashes in Buenos Aires mark a turning point in Argentina’s protests against austerity. With retirees, soccer fans, and other groups uniting, the government faces intensifying opposition.

Possible outcomes in the coming weeks:

• More frequent and larger protests against Milei’s economic policies.
• Stronger police crackdowns, including potential mass arrests.
• Legal battles over the stadium ban, as fan groups fight back against restrictions.
• Further government efforts to suppress dissent through security measures.

With Argentina’s economy still in turmoil, tensions are expected to rise further, potentially leading to nationwide strikes and expanded demonstrations.

Final Thoughts

The violent clashes outside Congress highlight Argentina’s growing discontent with President Javier Milei’s austerity policies. What started as a pensioners’ protest turned into a broad uprising, with soccer fans and working-class citizens uniting against the government.

As the economic crisis worsens, the battle between protesters and authorities is set to intensify, shaping Argentina’s political future in the months ahead.

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