Retired workers in Argentina staged a protest outside the National Congress on Wednesday (6), denouncing President Javier Milei’s decision to veto legislation that would have granted an emergency increase to pensions amid persistent economic hardship.
The law, passed by Congress in July, proposed a one-time 7.2% increase to pension payments and an adjustment to a long-frozen supplemental allowance. Milei rejected it by presidential decree on Monday (4), citing concerns over fiscal discipline.
“We’re here to fight for all the rights this government has taken away,” said Jesús Fajardo, a 67-year-old pensioner. “People are fed up with lying politicians.”
Clashes with Security Forces
The protest took place under tight security, with police deploying pepper spray in confrontations with demonstrators. Among those affected was María Rosa Ojeda, 69, who fainted after being sprayed in the face.
“I’m tired of seeing pensioners beaten,” she said. “You’re not supposed to hit a child, a person with disabilities, or a pensioner. We’re defenseless.”
The demonstration was part of a series of weekly actions held by retirees and social groups demanding better conditions under the Milei administration’s austerity measures.
Pensions Below the Poverty Line
Argentina has 7.4 million retirees, representing 15.7% of the population. According to official figures, 63.5% receive the minimum pension, which in August amounts to 314,300 pesos (US$ 233). With a non-permanent bonus introduced in 2022 and frozen since March 2024, the total reaches 384,300 pesos (US$ 285).
The national poverty threshold for an individual with housing is 365,177 pesos (US$271), but the Buenos Aires Ombudsman for the Elderly estimates that older adults require at least 1.2 million pesos (US$892) monthly due to higher healthcare and living expenses.
“This government is leaving us with nothing,” Ojeda said. “Everyone is responsible, but even more so the Argentine people, because we’re not united.”
Veto Cited Budget Impact
The emergency pension increase law also sought to raise the supplemental allowance to 110,000 pesos (US$81). According to the Congressional Budget Office, the pension hike would have cost 0.41% of GDP annually, while the bonus adjustment would add another 0.38%.
Milei argued that the law conflicted with his administration’s fiscal objectives, particularly the goal of achieving zero deficit.
Congress now faces a decision on whether to override the veto or allow it to stand. The outcome remains uncertain amid shifting political alliances and a fragmented legislative landscape.
“We have to keep fighting, taking to the streets, and standing up for our rights,” Fajardo said.
