Argentina, between clashes and protests, tension rises under the Milei Government, 100 arrests and 20 injured

Social tension in Argentina continues to grow. Yesterday, Wednesday March 12th, a weekly demonstration by pensioners in Buenos Aires has turned into an urban battle between protesters and police. The toll of the clashes is heavy: over 100 arrests, at least 20 injured and a photographer in serious conditionThe protest, initially peaceful, degenerated with the intervention of ultras and militant groups, leading to unprecedented violence. This event marks one of the most critical moments since the beginning of the mandate of ultra-liberal President Javier Milei.

The Roots of the Protest

For years, every Wednesday, Argentine pensioners have taken to the streets to denounce the deterioration of their purchasing power, a problem that has worsened dramatically in the first months of Milei's presidency.. The government has implemented austerity measures and radical economic reforms, aiming to reduce the public deficit. However, the price paid by citizens, especially the elderly, has been very high: devaluation of the Argentine peso, galloping inflation and an exorbitant increase in the cost of living.

In 2023, inflation hit 211%, making it impossible for many retirees to meet their daily expenses. Although minimum pensions have been indexed to inflation on a monthly basis since mid-2024, the delay in revaluations and the temporary freeze on increases have caused enormous economic hardship. Currently, the minimum pension has risen to around 350.000 pesos (about $328), but remains insufficient compared to the increase in the cost of essential goods, particularly medicines and food.

the event

La The protest on March 12 was particularly violent due to the participation of groups of organized fans, the so-called “barras bravas”, linked to the main Argentine football clubs such as River Plate, Boca Juniors, Racing and Independiente. In the previous days, the social media had spread calls for ultras to join the demonstration, with the aim of giving greater strength to the protest.

This alliance between pensioners and fans transformed the procession into a much larger and more chaotic event than usual. As protesters approached Congress, tensions erupted: groups of people threw rocks and bottles at law enforcement, set fire to a motorcycle and a police car, and set fire to several dumpsters.

The police reaction and the clashes 

The police did everything they could to control and manage the demonstration. Officers used tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. - Clashes spread from Congress to Plaza de Mayo, where tensions remained high for several hours.

Among the wounded, The most serious case is that of Pablo Grillo, a 34-year-old independent photographer, hit by a bullet while documenting the protest.

At the end of the day, the official toll spoke of over 100 arrests, seizures of firearms, cartridges and knives.

Government statements and political consequences

La Minister Patricia Bullrich had warned in previous days that any episode of violence would be firmly repressed. After the clashes, the The government has published a new ordinance banning entry to sporting events for anyone responsible for acts of violence during public protests.

An increasingly tense social climate

The clashes that occurred represent one of the most controversial moments of Mil's presidencyhey Argentina is going through a deep economic and social crisis, with a population increasingly opposed to the reforms imposed by the government.