On March 12, police brutally attacked pensioners protesting benefit cuts in Buenos Aires, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. This repression, ordered by President Javier Milei, reflects a significant return to state violence against dissent. The protests are part of a broader struggle for social justice amid increasing austerity measures and repression of free speech. As opposition grows, the government prepares for more confrontations with demonstrators.
On March 12, a severe incident unfolded in Buenos Aires, where thousands of retirees, workers, and soccer fans protested against public social security pension cuts. The protest was met with brutal repression by federal and municipal police, ordered by President Javier Milei. This violent response marks a significant moment of state repression reminiscent of the protests in December 2001, which led to a presidential resignation during a financial crisis.
The pensioners’ protests have become a regular occurrence, driven by demands for the restoration of medical benefits and protection against inflation. The austerity measures implemented by the right-wing Milei administration have severely impacted their living standards. This week, the demonstrations saw increased participation from transit workers, signaling the growing dissent against the government.
Evidence suggests that the Milei administration provoked this conflict to rationalize increased assaults on free speech and democratic rights. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich deployed over 1,000 police an hour and a half before the rally began, creating a combative atmosphere that escalated into a night of violence. Authorities utilized rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons against the protesters.
Eyewitness accounts detail the scene, including a police provocateur allegedly attempting to incite vandalism. The violent police response resulted in 672 injuries and 114 arrests, with individuals detained subsequently facing charges. Notable casualties included Beatriz Blanco, an 87-year-old pensioner, and press photographer Pablo Grillo, who sustained serious injuries from a tear gas grenade.
The protestors revived the chant from 2001, “Qué se vayan todos!” or “All of them must go!”, directing their frustration at Milei and his administration. Alejandra Bartoliche from the Graphic Reporters Association highlighted ongoing threats to press freedom under the current regime, as police violence against journalists persists.
Bullrich’s recent repeal of a ban on certain firearms raises concerns, linking current repressive tactics to historical practices during the Cold War. Following the violent repression, journalists in neighboring Uruguay organized protests in solidarity with the retirees, while those in Buenos Aires expressed similar sentiments against police actions.
In anticipation of future protests on March 19, the administration is implementing increased security measures, reaffirming its commitment to confront dissent with force. President Milei has indicated a hardline approach, dismissing the grievances of retirees and labeling protesters as “the bad guys”. This stance reflects a broader trend towards authoritarian governance amid escalating social tensions resulting from economic inequality and strife.
The brutal repression of pensioners protesting benefit cuts in Buenos Aires highlights significant issues regarding democratic rights and social justice in Argentina. The government’s violent response, along with recent legislative changes, indicates a troubling shift toward authoritarianism. As more citizens mobilize against these actions, the administration’s hardline stance suggests an impending escalation of the conflict, raising concerns about the future of civil liberties in the country.
Original Source: www.wsws.org
