Argentinian Protestant churches call for protection for pensioners
The current austerity policy is causing financial hardship for retired and sick people. The Association of Protestant Churches, to which the Methodist Church also belongs, believes this is unacceptable. It calls for more courageous and creative solutions from the government and appeals: "Choose life."
"The economic, political and social situation in Argentina is highly complex," says Américo Jara Reyes, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Argentina Poverty has fallen from well over 50 percent to 38 percent in 2024. "But the state is making major cuts to pensions, education and healthcare."
Pension no longer enough for medication
The minimum pension is the equivalent of around 240 francs. But food and gas have become expensive; a coffee can cost five francs in Buenos Aires. Even a pension of 500 francs is not always enough if someone needs medication or if rents rise sharply. Some have worked for 40 years and are now experiencing financial difficulties. This situation is perceived as unfair and triggers anger: Many pensioners demonstrate every Wednesday, even if the police sometimes cracks down on them.
Against the veto - for fair pensions
Congress saw the problem and wanted to raise pensions by 7.2% at the beginning of August. However, President Javier Milei vetoed the plan. On August 20, the Association of Protestant Churches in Argentina therefore a open letter to the members of the government. He asks them to oppose the veto and support the decision to increase pensions. Caring for the elderly and people with disabilities is a deeply human act that should not be restricted.
More political courage and creativity, please
"People with disabilities need therapeutic support, and older people don't deserve to have to choose between food and medication." A balanced budget is necessary and fundamental in any economy, says the association. "However, achieving this requires much more political courage and creativity than denying rights to people in a vulnerable situation."
Crumbling democracy
The decision recently taken in both chambers of the National Congress to raise pensions does not create any privileges. Instead, a real emergency is being taken seriously and a worsening situation is being made easier. "In a country that abandons its elderly and people with disabilities, nothing stands still. Democracy itself begins to crumble when we can no longer even provide for those who need it most and require care," the letter emphasizes.
Choose life!
There are decisions that show who someone is and what values they represent. The Association of Protestant Churches quotes from the Bible, Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today. I set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants." The open letter appeals to all members of parliament: "Now it is up to each and every one of you to decide which side of history you want to stand on, which society you want to build and how you want to be remembered in the future. No to the veto."
Symbol image from Sgenet via Pixabay
The Methodist Church in Argentina...
... campaigns for social justice, the right to migration, climate justice and gender justice. In open letters and at the Wednesday demonstrations, it takes a public stand and - together with other churches and organizations - campaigns for the observance of human rights.
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