Three bills increasing pensions and disability benefits, passed by Argentina's congress in July, were vetoed by President Javier Milei on 4/8, sparking outrage among beneficiaries and lawmakers.

President Milei criticized the bills as "irresponsible" for not specifying funding sources for the increases, claiming they would "shatter the government's fiscal balance."

According to Milei, the new laws would add 5 billion USD to the 2025 budget and approximately 12.3 billion USD in 2026. He insisted the Argentine government "doesn't have the money" to fund these bills.

To override President Milei's veto, congress would need a two-thirds majority. If that happens, Milei said he would challenge the bills in court.

Argentine President Javier Milei addresses supporters in Buenos Aires in 2023. Photo: AFP

Argentine President Javier Milei addresses supporters in Buenos Aires in 2023. Photo: AFP

Pensioners, among the hardest hit by Milei's austerity measures, have been protesting outside congress. One vetoed bill proposed a 7.2% increase to all pensions and raising monthly supplemental benefits from 70,000 pesos (about 61 USD) to 110,000 pesos (81 USD).

"It's impossible to live on the minimum pension," said Eduardo Barnei, 79, from Berazategui, a suburb of Buenos Aires. He said he received only 370,000 pesos last month, including the supplement.

Even with the 7.2% increase and raised supplement, the total would still fall far short of the 1.2 million pesos that the Office for the Protection of the Elderly estimates as the minimum monthly living cost for a retiree.

"Last month I spent over 100,000 pesos on medicine, 80,000 pesos on gas and electricity, and now I have to make do with the rest. It's impossible to survive," said Barnei, who started working at 15 and retired at 68.

Duc Trung (According to Guardian, Reuters)