Political Unrest in Argentina: Brawl Erupts in Parliament Amid Pension Protests
On March 12, 2025, a brawl broke out in the Argentine parliament amidst a pensioners’ protest against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. Representatives Zago and Almirón clashed over impeachment discussions, leading to the session’s suspension. Concurrently, riots erupted as protesters demanded better pensions, resulting in clashes with police and multiple injuries and arrests.
On March 12, 2025, Argentina experienced significant political unrest as intense altercations erupted within parliament, drawing attention to the nation’s ongoing struggles against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. During a parliamentary session, representatives Oscar Zago and Lisandro Almirón clashed violently, exchanging punches as the debate over the cryptocurrency scandal intensified. This confrontation ultimately led to the suspension of the session, which was reviewing various projects aimed at investigating the ongoing $LIBRA cryptocurrency issue involving President Milei.
The session’s contentious atmosphere saw the ruling party attempting to shield the president from the scrutiny linked to the memecoin scandal. Political tensions escalated further when the Unión por la Patria (UxP) faction initiated impeachment proceedings against President Milei, igniting disputes over the chairmanship of the Impeachment Commission. Although the Kirchner administration was unable to garner enough support for the impeachment, a related declaration of emergency from Bahía Blanca was unanimously approved.
As Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Martín Menem sought to delay the discourse surrounding the impeachment, members from Libertarians, PRO, and Radicals vacated their seats in protest. The confrontation escalated when Almirón attempted to unseat Zago, leading to a physical brawl between both representatives and chaos ensued, resulting in the session’s adjournment.
In the streets, protests against President Milei’s austerity measures were unfolding simultaneously, with hundreds of retirees along with football fans expressing their discontent. Demonstrators demanded improved pensions amidst stringent budget cuts that have left many retirees struggling in poverty, with around 60% receiving a minimal monthly pension of only $340. Violent clashes ensued, culminating in at least 20 injuries and the detention of 124 protesters as riot police employed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
The events of March 12, 2025, encapsulated the escalating tensions in Argentina surrounding both political and social issues. The violent clashes within the parliament highlighted the fractious political climate and the ongoing investigations associated with President Javier Milei’s administration. Furthermore, the protests underscored the discontent among retirees struggling with austerity measures and inadequate pension support, prompting significant unrest across the nation.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
