Massive Protests in Argentina Demand Increased Funding for Public Education

Hundreds of thousands of Argentine students, professors, and organizations marched in protest across the country on Tuesday to demand increased funding for public education.

The demonstrations, which took place in major cities including Buenos Aires, were the largest yet against the austerity measures implemented by President Javier Milei since he took office in December.

The protesters are demanding the government defend free and quality public education, which they consider a national birthright in Argentina. They carried banners with slogans such as "Education is not an expense, it is an investment" and "Without education, there is no future."

The prestigious University of Buenos Aires (UBA), one of the best universities in Latin America, is facing a severe budget crisis. "We are in a situation where we cannot cover the electricity bills," said UBA rector Alberto Barbieri. "We have dark halls, frozen elevators, and professors teaching without microphones or projectors." He warned that without a rescue plan, the university may have to shut down in the coming months, affecting 380,000 students.

President Milei's administration has slashed spending across Argentina as part of an effort to reach a zero deficit. The cuts have hit public universities hard, with budgets frozen at 2023 levels despite annual inflation approaching 290%. The government approved a 70% increase in funding for universities' operating expenses, but this excludes teacher salaries which make up about 90% of budgets.

Why this matters: The protests highlight the larger ideological battle in Argentina between Milei's push for austerity and the public's desire to preserve social programs like free university education. The outcome could impact access to higher education for millions of Argentines, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.

In response to the protests, a government spokesperson said that while education is a fundamental pillar, the plan cuts are necessary to address the inherited economic crisis. But university authorities say the current funding levels are unsustainable. "Three of the four teaching categories have fallen under the poverty line," said Víctor Moriñigo, rector of the National University of San Luis. The protests, backed by trade unions and opposition parties, look set to continue until the demands for increased education funding are met.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of thousands protest in Argentina to demand more education funding
• Prestigious University of Buenos Aires faces severe budget crisis, may shut down
• President Milei's austerity measures have hit public universities hard
• Protests highlight the ideological battle between austerity and preserving social programs
• Protests backed by unions and opposition, continue until education funding demands met