In a move that is already stirring controversy, the Presidency of the Nation decided to uproot the stones from the COVID-19 victims’ memorial in Plaza de Mayo. The reason? The upcoming celebrations for the Argentine national team’s participation in the World Cup. The stones, engraved with the names of the deceased, were moved to Casa Rosada for safekeeping.
According to the official statement, the measure is preventive: they fear that the sea of people expected in the plaza could damage the tribute. The government coordinated the operation with the Buenos Aires city government and security forces, who warned of a possible massive gathering. The stones, which became a symbol of the pandemic’s pain, will be kept under lock and key until the World Cup festivities end.
But it’s not that simple. The Presidency assured that they notified the victims’ families before moving the stones. They explained that the relocation is temporary and that once the national team finishes its participation, the stones will return to their place. However, the decision did not sit well with everyone. Some sectors criticize prioritizing celebrations over the memory of the more than 100,000 Argentines who died from the virus.
The stones began appearing in Plaza de Mayo during the pandemic, when family members and loved ones left them as a silent tribute. Over time, the site became a permanent memorial, right in front of Casa Rosada. Now, for a handful of soccer matches, the government decided to hide them. Until when? Until the World Cup fever passes.
The relocation operation was carried out by personnel from the Presidency and the City Government. Authorities repeat that it is only a precaution, but the message that remains is contradictory: while they talk about memory and tribute, the stones are in a warehouse. The question hanging in the air is whether they will really return or if this is the first step to erase an uncomfortable symbol for those in power.
Meanwhile, the stones are no longer in Plaza de Mayo. Only the gap they left remains, along with the promise that they will return. But in a country where memory is fragile and celebrations sweep everything aside, no one is willing to vouch for it.
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Para mí esto es una forrada de manual. Sacan las piedras de los muertos de la pandemia para que los cumpas del fútbol no se tropiecen. Hipócritas de mierda, lloran por los fallecidos y después los esconden como si fueran un estorbo. Viva la Selección, pero no sean giles. Firmado: El Griego
para mí sacar las piedras del memorial del COVID por los festejos mundialistas es una falta de respeto total. estos giles del gobierno se rien de la memoria de los muertos, todo por unos hinchas borrachos. son unos vendepatria asquerosos, que se vayan a la concha de su madre.