Buenos Aires Protest Escalates as Thousands Gather

Inside Argentina’s Crisis: A Special Report from Buenos Aires
πŸ“‘Follow the full coverage here: Inside Argentina’s Crisis

Buenos Aires – By 4 p.m. on March 19, thousands packed the streets in front of Argentina’s National Congress, waving banners from Socialist Workers’ Movement (MST), PolΓ­tica Obrera, and Izquierda Socialista. Their voices echoed through the square, amplifying opposition to the government’s economic policies. Meanwhile, protesters held banners high, making their demands visible to all.

Thousands of protesters flood the streets of Buenos Aires.
Thousands pack the streets of Buenos Aires, waving banners and chanting as protests against Javier Milei’s reforms escalate. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]

As the demonstration grew, shouts of “Libertonto!”β€”a mix of libertario (libertarian) and tonto (fool)β€”rang out, mocking President Javier Milei. At the same time, signs criticizing pension reforms, austerity measures, and international financial influence covered the streets.

Tensions Rise as Medical Teams Mobilize

Among the demonstrators, Florencia Mogado condemned the administration’s decisions. β€œMilei is completely insane for targeting elderly people who can barely survive. This is a citizen’s revolutionβ€”we must remove him,” she said. Meanwhile, the steady beat of drums intensified the scene, fueling the crowd’s energy.

Protesters beat drums in Buenos Aires as demonstrations escalate.
Protesters drum in unison, their beats echoing through Buenos Aires as thousands gather to oppose government policies. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]

In preparation for potential injuries, helmeted volunteers in β€œRescate” (Rescue) vests stood by, ready to respond. Since many demonstrators were injured during the March 12 protests, civilian medical teams mobilized in advance to assist those in need.

Holding a sign that read, β€œTwo tear gas canisters cost more than a minimum pension,” Carlos Moreno, 71, criticized the government’s response. β€œInstead of listening to us, they fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the weakest among us. I’m ashamed of my country for treating its elderly this way,” he said.

Protesters stand inches from steel barricades in Buenos Aires.
Protesters gather at the steel barricades in Buenos Aires, pushing forward as tensions mount near Congress. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]

In the crowd stood Beatriz Bianco, 87, who was knocked unconscious by police at a previous demonstration. After footage of the incident spread widely online, it fueled national outrage. Consequently, many protesters cited her case as an example of excessive force.

Protesters Demand Change

Protesters hold signs demanding economic and political change.
Protesters hold up banners reading “Enough austerity and IMF control!” as demonstrations continue outside Argentina’s National Congress. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]

As the protest continued, placards filled the streets with messages such as:

  • β€œEnough austerity and IMF control!”
  • β€œPatricia Bullrich and Milei must step down!”
  • β€œIf you take away our rights, democracy dies.”

Meanwhile, police remained in formation, closely monitoring the growing Buenos Aires protest as tensions continued to mount.

This article is part of The Korea Daily’s on-the-ground coverage from Buenos Aires. Stay tuned for further updates.

BY SANGJIN KIM [sk1015@koreadaily.com]
AND YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]

Yeol Jang
By Yeol Jang
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