BUENOS AIRES – As poverty deepens and the suffering of pensioners intensifies in Argentina, Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva of Buenos Aires has launched sharp criticism against the policies of the current President Javier Milei. Last Sunday, at the 'Te Deum' thanksgiving mass commemorating the May 1810 Revolution, attended by President Milei and his cabinet, Archbishop Garcia Cuerva delivered a strong message, asserting that "fraternity, tolerance, and respect are dying" in Argentina.
Archbishop Garcia Cuerva, who leads the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, the former base of Pope Francis, stated, "Our country is bleeding. So many brothers and sisters are suffering from marginalization and exclusion," urging support for the poor, young people falling victim to drug trafficking, and especially pensioners. Regarding the issue of pensioners, he emphasized, "Retirees deserve a dignified life with access to medicine and food. This is a wound that has been bleeding for years, but as a society, we must heal it quickly."
Milei Government's Austerity Policies and Their Aftermath
Since taking office in late 2023, President Milei has implemented extensive public spending cuts to control Argentina's years-long economic crisis. This has severely impacted pensioners, who protest in the streets every Wednesday and often face harsh police crackdowns.
Indeed, immediately after taking office, the Milei government implemented shock therapy, including devaluing the exchange rate by over 50%, reducing government subsidies, and cutting public sector jobs. While these extreme austerity measures have shown some effectiveness in curbing inflation, they have directly led to suffering for ordinary citizens. In particular, pensions have not kept pace with inflation, and their real value has plummeted, leaving pensioners struggling to maintain basic living standards. As a result, many are facing difficulties not only in purchasing groceries but also essential medicines, which is a major cause of growing social unrest and dissatisfaction.
Warning Against Social Hatred and Division
In his sermon, Archbishop Garcia Cuerva urged to "stop the hatred," referring to the "constant attacks" on social media. He pointed out, "We have crossed every line. Disqualification, constant attacks, abuse, and defamation seem to have become commonplace."
In fact, the Milei government frequently uses social media to refer to politicians, economists, and journalists who criticize their policies with derogatory terms such as "baboons," "decadent," "losers," and "Mongolians." This governmental attitude is criticized for lowering the level of dialogue and debate throughout society and fostering unnecessary animosity and division. The Archbishop's remarks can be interpreted as a warning against the government's social media usage and the resulting deepening of social conflict.
During the sermon, President Milei was observed listening with a stern expression to Archbishop Garcia Cuerva's words. As such, the Archbishop's sermon is being received not merely as a religious message but as a strong critique and warning regarding the current government's policies and the prevailing social atmosphere. Argentine society is suffering not only from economic difficulties but also from deepening social division, and the voice of the religious community plays a crucial role in representing this reality.
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