Viewpoint: We have been destroyed

After long queues, many are told there is no money

By Julia Marini, a 73-year-old pensioner living in Buenos Aires

I retired in 1993, at the age of 65, from my job at the Goethe Institute in Buenos Aires.

I was in charge of the music department and then media relations. I had a good salary because it came from Germany.

They have stuck their hands in my pockets and they haven't even asked for my permission.

It makes me very angry when I remember that I made all the contributions I was supposed to, but the country has not given me anything back.

As a pensioner I feel devastated emotionally by the decisions that have been taken. I know my anger and anguish is shared by many. We have been destroyed.

I feel raped. They have stuck their hands in my pockets and they haven't even asked for my permission.

Suddenly I find that my pension has been cut by 13%, on top of an earlier reduction.

Afraid

I worked all my life thinking that my last years would be peaceful.

Now, they have taken away my ability to save, the possibility of having something extra. I have to think on a day-to-day basis.

Fear on the streets of the capital

I dread going to the bank to get my pension, wondering whether it has been paid or not.

I have to go today, and I do not know what I will find, after Wednesday's looting.

I don't know where to hide the money when I leave the bank. I am afraid of being mugged in the street.

If I do not receive my money, I will not be able to meet my obligations.

Pensioners punished

Medical insurance, for example, is expensive - I pay $250 a month.

YOUR COMMENTS

I think we have reached the bottom. But this should be the end of almost 50 years of corruption and injustice.

Emilio Mendez Paz, Argentina

More of your comments