The disastrous organization of the operation by the communist governor Axel Kicillof for the historic visit of pope Leo XIV to Luján was surrounded by strong controversy due to the inhumane conditions that the members of the Buenos Aires Province Police had to endure.
In this context, serious deficiencies were reported in accommodation, lack of basic services, and an economic compensation that was insufficient to meet the demands of the deployment.
Discontent within the force grew in recent hours after a video showing Buenos Aires police officers sleeping in the middle of the street went viral.
The images generated strong indignation and brought back into question the logistics arranged by Kicillof's government to ensure safety during the activities of the Supreme Pontiff.
Among the main complaints were the accommodation conditions. According to the reports, part of the personnel was distributed in tents set up on dirt grounds, where they had to remain crowded and exposed to mud and possible flooding due to the rain.
Cops sleeping on the street.
They also pointed out that the cots were piled up, some were broken, and the mattresses were in poor condition. To make matters worse, many others had to sleep in the street.
In addition to the deficiencies in the designated accommodation areas, there were complaints about lack of hygiene and essential services. There was a shortage of portable toilets, absence of showers, and difficulties accessing drinking water.
It was also reported that the available water was stored in tanks placed outdoors, a situation that fueled criticism regarding the sanitary conditions of the operation.
Tents.
Complaints about per diem and withdrawal of weapons
Another point that caused discontent was the economic compensation established for the officers involved in the deployment. Many described the payment of $60,000 daily as "ridiculous" to cover the mandatory overtime during the week the operation lasted.
For numerous agents, the amount was insufficient given the length of the shifts and the demands of remaining deployed in Luján during the Pope's activities.
Additionally, they condemned a directive that ordered the withdrawal of their service weapons from the officers participating in the operation. The police considered the measure incomprehensible and warned that it left them exposed and without tools to respond to potential aggressions while performing duties in public.
Thus, the operation organized for the historic visit of Leo XIV ended marked by strong accusations against the Kirchnerist management of Axel Kicillof.
