The wage crisis and the precarious working conditions affecting the personnel of the National Gendarmerie have generated growing discontent within the ranks of the force, leading many officers to live below the poverty line. We want to make visible what is happening and demand solutions, but we know that there is a risk of sanctions, as occurred in 2012.
The discontent also extends towards the leadership of the institution, particularly towards the General Director of the Gendarmerie, Andrés Severino Brilloni, whom they accuse of not addressing the demands of the personnel and maintaining a distant stance in the face of the crisis. 'We are abandoned by those who should defend us,' affirmed internal sources from the force.
The objective is to generate visibility and foster a dialogue with the authorities to find concrete responses to the crisis faced by the gendarmes, who today are confronted not only with poverty but also with the fear of being sanctioned for speaking out. In addition to the economic impact, the officers report that the long working hours and constant exposure to risky situations generate strong physical and mental wear.
Training a gendarme takes years and a lot of investment that is lost due to poor policies. The problem mainly lies in the low incomes received by the personnel, which are insufficient to cover basic needs such as rent, food, education, and medical care. 'The salary is not enough, and many have to resort to extra jobs to support their families,' expressed those affected.
Therefore, the organizers of the demonstration have requested support from other security forces and society in general, highlighting that the demand seeks to guarantee decent living conditions and compensation in line with the work performed. The call for February 25 is open not only to members of the Gendarmerie but also to their families, teachers, shop employees, and the entire community.
In this context, a peaceful demonstration has been called for next February 25 in front of the regional commands of the Gendarmerie, such as the one in Mercedes, at avenues 2 and 29. The organizers seek to make the crisis visible and demand immediate solutions from the Government and the authorities of the force. Many colleagues are leaving the force because they cannot sustain themselves with what they earn.
