Argentine pensioners protest over low incomes and rising costs
Hundreds of pensioners and retirees gathered outside Argentina's National Congress in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, banging empty pots and carrying a coffin to highlight the financial difficulties they say they face.
The demonstration was part of weekly protests demanding higher pensions from President Javier Milei's government. Protesters said monthly increases linked to inflation were failing to keep pace with their basic expenses.
For October, pensions were increased by 1.66 per cent, with the minimum set at just over 435,000 Argentine pesos, or about $285. Argentina recorded monthly inflation of 1.7 per cent in August.
“The minimum isn't even enough for medicines,” pensioner Walter said, explaining that the empty pots represented older people struggling to afford food, healthcare and even small treats for their grandchildren.
Another protester, Claudia, said she sometimes went to bed without food because she could not afford to eat. “I don't know how many months it has been since I last knew the taste of meat,” she said.
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According to the Buenos Aires Ombudsman's Office, a retired couple paying rent needed more than 2.5 million pesos ($1,640) in August to cover basic expenses, nearly six times the minimum pension.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
