The traditional Wednesday retirees' march in front of Congress in Buenos Aires ended in tension as protesters knocked down police barriers. The operation, under Patricia Bullrich's anti-picket protocol, involved tear gas and at least one arrest. The government defends the action as necessary for public order.
As every Wednesday, retirees and social movements gathered in front of the National Congress in Buenos Aires to demand pension increases, access to medicines, and better living conditions. The demonstration, which started peacefully, escalated around 15:30 when a group of protesters knocked down part of the barriers blocking Avenida Rivadavia between Callao and Entre Ríos.
The police operation was massive: Federal Police trucks and officers barricaded the area, even surrounding passersby and journalists, while a line of Gendarmería stationed in front of the legislative building. Protesters carried signs with messages like “no ser tratados como delincuentes por reclamar lo que nos corresponde”—not to be treated as criminals for claiming what we deserve. The immediate response included tear gas; City Police officers reinforced the perimeter without advancing directly, but scuffles led to at least one arrest and several elderly people treated by medical staff.
This incident falls under the anti-picket protocol promoted by Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. The minimum pension is around 300,000 pesos, while the basic basket exceeds one million, worsening the loss of purchasing power. The government maintains that the strict application of the protocol is “necessary to maintain public order” and ensure free circulation.
The previous Tuesday, Bullrich defended her policy in the Budget and Finance Committee of Deputies, where she was questioned by the opposition. She stated that her decisions “ended the pickets” and that security forces “will act again and again against those who throw stones.” She admitted “security failures” in past interventions but clarified: “I have no responsibility.” She also confirmed that the government will push for a Penal Code reform.