To justify its action, the Presidential Palace ways it is an initiative against fraud in disability benefits, seen as a proclamation of a new libertarian offensive that seeks to restructure the disability pension system in Argentina and more rigorously define who should receive state assistance.
Relatives of people with disabilities appeared on television and radio programs to demand that legislators reject the bill, which implies further cuts to funding for this vulnerable sector and practically nullifies the current social assistance law for these individuals approved last year.
Family groups were joined by unions and workers from the Dr. Garrahan Children Hospital, a regional leader in the criminal complaint against the president and other officials for the brutal cuts he intends to impose on pensions, medications, and medical treatments.
Communicator Daniela Aza stated that “what we are experiencing today is historic, unprecedented, and utterly heartbreaking. The policy of abandonment is painful and deliberate,” she emphasized, as quoted by the newspaper Página12. For this reason, groups of family members and workers called for a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Health.
Two criminal complaints have been filed against the libertarian government in this case: one filed last week by disability groups, family members, service providers, and institutions, by human rights lawyer Javier Garin.
In addition to denouncing the dereliction of state duties and abuse of power, they also allege abandonment of persons. This is because they believe that “there is a painful, deliberate, and systematic policy of cutting off benefits to these people, leaving them completely destitute,” Garin told Pagina 12.
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