Brutal repression to retirees in Buenos Aires exhibits Milei authoritarianism

This Wednesday (12), a demonstration of retirees in front of the Argentine National Congress was harshly repressed by the security forces of Javier Milei’s ultraliberal government. The protest, which brought together retirees, unions and even organized fans of about 30 football teams, was peaceful and aimed to denounce the cuts in Social Security, the loss of rights and the deterioration of purchasing power – direct consequences of the neoliberal agenda that has aggravated misery among the elderly.

Police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets against protesters – many over 70 – who claimed increased pensions, access to medicines and the maintenance of the social security moratorium. The traditionally peaceful act ended with scenes of chaos: elderly people fallen on the floor, burned vehicles, as well as Pablo Grillo, a photographer who was hit in the head by a tear gas cartridge and remains in critical ICU condition with head trauma.

According to the Argentine newspaper La Nación, the violent repression resulted in the arrest of 124 people and left 53 injured, with the case of the photographer being considered serious. Among the injured, the case of retired Beatriz Bianco, 87, was highlighted, who suffered a fall after being pushed by a police officer.

Outside Security Minister, Patricia Bullrich

While President Javier Milei defends freedom as an absolute principle, his government’s policies have shown an authoritarian stance by silencing demonstrations. Hours before the act, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich threatened organized fans who participated in the protest, warning of possible prohibitions on attending football stadiums. This contradictory stance – to preach freedom while violently repressing popular expression – exposes ultraliberalism that, in practice, has deepened the social crisis.

Safety Minister Patricia Bullrich justified the action by accusing protesters of planning a “blow” and carrying weapons, unproven allegations. Hours earlier, she had threatened to ban stadium fans and criminalize the protest. The court of Buenos Aires, however, released 114 of the 124 prisoners, classifying arrests as “unconstitutional.”

The Association of Graphic Reporters of the Argentine Republic (ARGRA) expressed in a press conference its condemnation of the attacks committed by security forces against civilians, especially photographers and cameramen, who covered the repression of the march of retirees. Argra demanded the resignation of Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and summoned a “campaign” for the afternoon of Thursday.

“We need press freedom, as the National Constitution says, and no longer being harmed. It’s not just Pablo: we have been talking to security officials for a year and a half, asking them not to harm us anymore. Of course, this is not working, ”said union vice president Alejandra Bartoliche.

Social Security Crisis: 60% of retirees live with R $ 1,970 in inflation of 117%

The effects of Milei measures are devastating to the elderly population: drug prices have doubled, essential services became inaccessible and almost 60% of pensioners live with the monthly R $ 1,970. In addition, the social security moratorium, which allows retirement without 30 years of contribution, expires at the end of March and there is no forecast of renewal, which further aggravates the situation of retirees. Milei policies plunged Argentine retirees in a collapse:

• Frozen pensions: The minimum amount is $ 1,970, insufficient to cover medications, whose prices doubled in one year.
• End of the moratorium: The rule that allowed retirement without 30 years of contribution expires in March, leaving thousands without right.
• Rampant inflation: The accumulated rate since Milei’s inauguration exceeds 100%, eroding purchasing power.

For Opposition Senator Martín Lousteau, “there is a political decision to abandon the retirees.” The crisis is aggravated by the dismantling of social programs, paralyzing public works and loss of 200,000 jobs.

From libertarian discourse to authoritarianism: Milei’s repressive climbing

The government’s response, which justifies repression as a measure to prevent protesters from “taking Congress” and using weapons, has been accompanied by narratives that denounce the participation of “LUMPEN” and “gangsters”. However, participants’ streets records and testimonials tell a different story: that of working people, who fight their rights and peacefully face a government that, ironically, uses violence to silence critical voices.

Milei’s “absolute freedom” rhetoric contrasts with the practice:

• Leis Antiprotesto: Since December, Bullrich criminalizes demonstrations, using a protocol that restricts public meetings.
• Preferred target: Social, indigenous and now retired movements – vulnerable groups that challenge fiscal adjustment.
• Belic Narrative: The government accuses protesters of “narcopolitics” and “violence lumpem” while viralizing videos of police planting weapons on the spot.

Internally, even sectors not aligned to the left repudiated the action. Nora Biaggio, leader of the retirees, pointed out: “The adhesion of the fans shows that despair transcends ideologies.”

The future under the intimidation of Milei will be more protests

The protest that repeats itself by bringing together men and women with white hair, every Wednesday, brought the novelty of soccer team t-shirts. Apparently, football fans saw something that the rest of the country did not see: the loneliness, the helplessness and shame of people who were ignored every week by the government. Thus, fans and “old” marched together without fear.

The repression of the elderly marks a new chapter in the authoritarian escalation of the government:

• Poverty criminalization: Bullrich already aimed at “brunette and poor sectors,” but has now included seniors on the list.
• Maradona Effect: The phrase of the former player-“we have to be very cowardly not to defend the retirees”-has become a shout of the streets.
• Risk of radicalization: With the social security moratorium about to expire and inflation on the rise, protests should grow.

With the mobilization involving organized fans, unions and social movements, yesterday’s protest made it clear that, even in the face of brutal repression, the population will not surrender to authoritarianism. Amid the screams of indignation-echoing even the famous phrase of former player Diego Maradona, “let us be Muy Cagones to defend Los Jubilades”-the demonstration has shown that the people are waking up to the human cost of ultraliberal policies.

In the coming days, the repercussions of this episode may intensify the pressure on the government of Milei, which already faces criticism of sectors of society and parliamentarians, who denounce the growing violence and the attack on retirees’ rights. If repression becomes a routine practice, the climate of instability may increase, deepening the social and political crisis in Argentina.

While photographer Pablo Grillo fights for life in the hospital, the government’s message is clear: Protesting will be expensive. But, as an 85 -year -old retired said, Cristina Delgado, a veteran of four dictatorships: “This is worse, because it’s in democracy.” Argentina has chosen radical economic freedom, but through the streets of Buenos Aires, the question is: freedom for whom?