Protests by Retirees in Buenos Aires
Every Wednesday, 89-year-old Olga Beatriz González wakes up early, has a simple breakfast, and starts her day by gathering donations of bread and vegetables for the soup kitchen she operates from her home in Buenos Aires. Afterward, she prepares protest signs for her weekly demonstrations, advocating for better pensions for retirees.
Although she’s retired, life isn’t easy. Like many older Argentinians, she struggles financially, facing the challenge of making ends meet while helping others. The pension system in Argentina is in crisis; it lacks sufficient funding to meet the expectations of retirees who worked hard for many years. “We’re people who have done our duty, and we’re reaching the end,” González remarked, expressing a common sentiment among her peers about not wanting to live in dire circumstances.
Sadly, there’s little optimism for improvement. President Javier Milei’s government argues that the solution lies in austerity measures to encourage investment and foster long-term growth, which means immediate financial relief is unlikely. González noted, “It really frustrates me when I hear someone say they can’t afford medication because they would be left without money for rent. What happens to them without a soup kitchen? Many people have lost power; they may receive pasta, but they can’t cook it.”
In January, the government announced Argentina’s first budget surplus in over a decade, but it came at a cost: significant cuts to energy and transport subsidies, leading to a 23% drop in retirees’ purchasing power since Milei took office. Economist Enrique Dentis stated, “Many pensioners are now primarily concerned with affording groceries, without thinking about much else. How the situation will change is uncertain, and the government’s stance seems to be one of patience, but time is not a luxury they have.”
Weekly Demonstrations
“I often tell other retirees that there’s no shame in asking for help. But they need to join the protests. Don’t just sit in front of the TV,” said González, drawing inspiration from Evita Perón, a beloved figure among the poor in Argentine history.
Government officials haven’t responded to inquiries regarding the situation of pensioners. In May, spokesperson Manuel Adorni acknowledged the struggles retirees have faced over the decades and emphasized that remedies need to be grounded in the realities of the economy. He also mentioned that increasing workers’ pay and their contributions are crucial for improving pensions, emphasizing that growth and investment are necessary because resources are limited.
Interestingly, not all older Argentinians oppose the government’s policies. Some believe in giving Milei more time to implement his plans, having seen billions of dollars hidden away in safes or mattresses over the years. Margarita Ruiz, a 75-year-old retired teacher, stated, “We never want to return to the previous administration. Milei’s approach seems to be the only path to saving the economy.”
Louis Lerink, also 75, doesn’t really align himself with any political party but participated in the Wednesday protests. Like many others, he struggles on a minimum pension, which was just over 396,000 pesos—about $266—in October. This isn’t enough to sustain his living expenses, so he buys traditional cookies and sells them on Sundays, which gives him enough for groceries. “I’m not starving, but I’m definitely not well-off,” he said, noting the lifestyle changes he’s had to make, like not visiting friends or enjoying simple pleasures such as ice cream.
Reflecting on the past, he lamented, “I haven’t seen my friends for months, and those joyful gatherings over food and cards have become a thing of the past.”
