Argentina's Elderly Fight for Their Future
In Argentina, the fight for a better life is being led by an unexpected group: retirees. Every Wednesday, they gather in Buenos Aires to protest, demanding change and support.
A Struggle to Make Ends Meet
Among the protesters is Olga Beatriz Gonzalez, an 89-year-old who runs a soup kitchen from her home. She and others like her are struggling to make ends meet, with the pension system stretched thin and little relief in sight.
The government, led by President Javier Milei, insists that fiscal adjustments are necessary to stimulate investment and growth. However, this has come at a cost.
The Impact of Government Policies
- Energy and transport subsidies have been cut
- Purchasing power of retirees has taken a significant hit
Economist Enrique Dentice notes that retirees are now prioritizing groceries over other needs, with no clear path to improvement.
Voices of Protest
In front of the National Congress, protesters wave flags and signs, calling for help and solidarity. Gonzalez encourages others to join, evoking the spirit of Evita Peron.
Meanwhile, some retirees, like Margarita Ruiz, support the government's policies, believing they are the only way to save the economy.
The Dire Situation
For many, the minimum pension is barely enough to survive. Luis Relinque, a 75-year-old retiree, sells alfajores to make ends meet. He can no longer afford treats for his granddaughter or gatherings with friends.
The situation is dire, and the elderly are left to navigate a system that seems to have forgotten them.
The Government's Stance
The government's stance is clear: without investment and growth, there can be no improvement. But for retirees like Gonzalez and Relinque, time is running out. They are fighting not just for themselves, but for the future of Argentina.
