At least 40 people were injured on Thursday, May 22, 2025, during violent clashes between protesters and police outside Argentina’s Congress in Buenos Aires. The unrest erupted amid mass opposition to a controversial pension reform bill being debated inside the legislative chamber.
Riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets, while demonstrators hurled stones, fireworks, and projectiles during hours of confrontation that engulfed the area in chaos. The violence was some of the most intense seen since President Javier Milei’s government took office last year.
“What we saw today was a response to injustice,” said one protester. “This bill will destroy the dignity of retirees.”
📉 Austerity in Focus
The pension reform, pushed by Milei’s administration as part of broader austerity measures backed by the IMF, seeks to raise the retirement age, reduce public pension outlays, and shift some pension contributions into private hands. Government officials say the changes are necessary to stabilize Argentina’s crippling public finances, but critics argue they punish the working class and elderly.
Unions, pensioners’ groups, and opposition lawmakers have labeled the bill “inhumane and unconstitutional”, warning it would deepen poverty among retirees and hurt low-income workers.
👮♂️ Escalation and Police Response
As thousands rallied outside Congress, tensions escalated when protesters attempted to breach police barricades. Officers responded with baton charges and chemical dispersants, leading to scenes of bloodied demonstrators and running battles through nearby streets.
Among the injured were at least 12 police officers and several journalists, according to emergency services. Human rights observers from local NGOs criticized the “disproportionate use of force” by security forces.
“The response by law enforcement was excessive and indiscriminate,” said a spokesperson for the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS).
🏛️ Political Fallout and Legislative Outcome
Despite the unrest, the reform bill passed the lower house late Thursday after a narrow and contentious vote. It will now proceed to the Senate, where it faces further debate and likely amendments.
The violence has deepened political polarization in Argentina, with opposition lawmakers walking out in protest and accusing the government of “trampling democracy.”
President Milei has defended the reforms as painful but necessary and condemned the protests as “acts of organized subversion.”
🌍 International Reactions
The United Nations Human Rights Office expressed concern over the reports of violence and urged Argentina to ensure the right to peaceful protest. Several Latin American governments also weighed in, calling for calm and dialogue rather than repression.
Financial markets responded with volatility — the peso dipped slightly, while bond yields rose amid concerns about governability and social unrest.
What to Watch
- Senate deliberation on the final pension reform package
- Further protests planned by labor unions and civil groups
- Investigations into alleged police misconduct
- Long-term economic impact of Milei’s austerity policies
- Whether the reform sparks a broader anti-government movement
As the dust settles outside Argentina’s Congress, the message from the streets is clear: for many, the fight over pensions is not just about policy — it’s about survival, dignity, and trust in the system. The government’s next steps may determine whether Thursday’s clashes mark a peak in unrest — or the beginning of a deeper national confrontation.
Source; Reuters
