Latest news with #EstebanPaulon
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Dozens injured in pension protest outside Argentina Congress
BUENOS AIRES: Dozens of people were injured during a protest outside Argentina's Congress on Wednesday where activists and retired Argentines demanded higher pensions, according to Reuters witnesses. TV footage showed elderly protesters and activists singing and chanting as security forces pushed through the crowd in Buenos Aires with riot shields and batons. The protest took place outside Congress as deputies failed to reach quorum for several bills, including proposals for pension increases and continuity of benefits for retirees. The government of libertarian President Javier Milei, which has sought to improve the economy and tackle painfully high inflation by slashing public spending, opposed both proposals. Milei's austerity drive has triggered weekly protests in the capital, with workers' unions and soccer fans joining retirees to protest pension cuts amid stubborn inflation and reduced public spending. 'This place, the home of democracy, cannot remain indifferent when a pensioner is earning 379,000 pesos (about $331 a month),' lawmaker Paula Oliveto of the center Civic Coalition party said during the Congress session. Some 124 lawmakers were present for voting while 133 were absent. Esteban Paulon, a Socialist Party representative, accused lawmakers who supported the government's policies of laughing when the session failed due to lack of quorum. 'The government's plan is evidently to kill millions of people collecting minimum wage through hunger,' he said. Esteban Paulon, a Socialist Party representative, accused lawmakers who supported the government's policies of laughing when the session failed due to lack of quorum. 'The government's plan is evidently to kill millions of people collecting minimum wage through hunger,' he said. The government argues that its resources are limited and to increase pensions, the country must first see more investment and economic growth. Around 38% of people in South America's No. 2 economy were in poverty - 11.3 million people - in the second half of last year, according to government data. This was down from 53% recorded in the first half.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bharat Summit 2025 stresses pluralism, diversity, respect to counter polarisation
HYDERABAD: At a panel discussion titled 'Overcoming Polarization with Pluralism, Diversity and Respect' during the Bharat Summit 2025, speakers emphasised the urgent need to address rising polarisation through pluralism, diversity and respect. Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha highlighted that pluralism and diversity are foundational to democracy. Citing Telangana as an example, he remarked, 'Disagreement must not lead to disdain,' urging society to embrace diversity as a strength that fosters development and unity. Esteban Paulon, a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina, cautioned against the rise of extreme right-wing ideologies that propagate division and hate. He called for progressive, inclusive policies rooted in human dignity and equal rights, stating, 'We must fight for a society where everyone can thrive without discrimination.' Echoing similar views, Zita Gurmai, a member of the National Assembly of Hungary, stressed the critical role of gender equality in sustaining democracies. She condemned cultural and political backlashes against women and minorities, asserting, 'Diversity and feminism are not threats. They are antidotes to hate-driven politics,' and called for stronger global solidarity. Professor Rahul Mukherji, academic and political thinker, pointed to crony capitalism and aggressive nationalism as major threats to democratic values. He advocated for the revival of secular and progressive alliances and emphasised the need to protect civic spaces, drawing on India's rich pluralistic tradition under leaders like Akbar and Mahatma Gandhi.
