Dozens of retirees were injured during clashes with gendarmerie officers at a protest outside Argentina’s National Congress on May 21, 2025. The demonstrators were voicing their opposition to President Javier Milei’s austerity policies, which they argue unfairly target vulnerable segments of society, including pensioners who heavily rely on state pensions. Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least 30 individuals taken to nearby hospitals for treatment following the confrontations.
“We are here because we cannot survive on the meager pensions provided under these new policies,” said Maria Gomez, a 70-year-old retired teacher participating in the protest. “The cost of living keeps rising, but our pensions do not.”
The Milei administration has defended the austerity measures as necessary steps to stabilize Argentina’s economy, which has been grappling with high inflation and significant national debt. Despite the growing unrest, the government has not indicated any plans to change its current economic strategy.
The protests have seen increasing participation in recent weeks, with demonstrators frequently gathering at the National Congress to make their voices heard. In addition to retirees, new sectors such as soccer fans, children of retirees, and students have joined the demonstrations. Reports indicate that law enforcement has been establishing a pattern of repressing elderly protesters who demand a more dignified life.
Social media videos have shown police handling the elderly protesters roughly, causing widespread indignation among the Argentine population.
Pension protest turns violent
At least four protesters were arrested after clashes with the police during a recent demonstration on May 14.
The economic adjustment policies, including Milei’s focus on reducing inflation as per the International Monetary Fund’s requirements, have significantly diminished retirees’ purchasing power. This situation has been further exacerbated by increased water, gas, and electricity prices following the elimination of subsidies by Argentina’s extreme right-wing government. Two-thirds of retirees receive the minimum income, equivalent to approximately USD 300 per month.
The National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) reported that the number of impoverished elderly people doubled during the first semester of Milei’s government. Despite the firm stance of Milei’s administration on its political program, which portends continued suffering and uncertainty for thousands of elderly people, the retirees have exhibited an immense capacity for resistance. It is unlikely they will abandon their struggle for dignity and social justice anytime soon.
The Argentine Lower House is set to discuss a bill to bring back the pensions moratorium in a session scheduled for Wednesday. However, Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos said the government will veto any of these bills if they are approved. President Milei has used his veto power twice before to overturn key bills from Congress related to pensions increases and university funding.