Dominican Republic and Argentina pension protests demand better benefits

In Santo Domingo, the Union of Elderly, the Union of Sugar Workers and the Coordinadora Popular National organized a peaceful vigil on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in front of the Palacio Nacional. The demonstrators called for the government of President Luis Abinader to approve dignified pensions for thousands of senior citizens and former sugar‑plant workers who say they remain excluded from the social security system despite constitutional guarantees.

In Buenos Aires, retired pensioners carried out surprise rounds around the Congress, confronting federal police. Protesters were met with shields, tear‑gas canisters and physical blows; several retirees, including the activist known as Father Paco, were injured and personal belongings such as medication and identification were seized. The demonstrators are pressing for higher pension payments, increased funding for the PAMI health system and better access to medicines.