Tens of thousands have been rallying across Argentina against government budget cuts to education. President Javier Milei has been slashing state spending as the country struggles with a cost-of-living crisis and high inflation.

Buenos Aires

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in rallies across Argentina to express their dissatisfaction with the government's budget cuts to education. Amid a severe cost-of-living crisis and soaring inflation rates, President Javier Milei has taken measures to reduce state spending, which has significantly impacted the education sector.

In a symbolic act of protest, thousands converged on Plaza de Mayo, situated in front of the presidential palace, brandishing books as a sign of their commitment to defending public education. The demonstrators argue that these austerity measures put public education at risk, challenging the policies of Libertarian President Javier Milei. Among the voices raised was Leandro Vergara, the dean of the University of Buenos Aires Law School, who emphasized education as a constitutional right and a foundational element of any society's development. He advocated for the state's role in promoting and supporting public and high-level education, highlighting the importance of the University of Buenos Aires. Recognized globally for its excellence and accessibility, the university stands as a beacon of national pride and an essential provider of opportunities for higher education.

Participants in the rally included faculty, students, and staff from the nation's public universities, which number over 60 and rely heavily on national budget allocations. These institutions have reportedly seen no increase in funding since President Milei assumed office, despite the crippling inflation that exacerbates their financial challenges. In response, government officials have called for audits, citing irregularities within university budgets.

In a televised address, President Milei reaffirmed his commitment to austere fiscal policies, describing his administration's approach as a necessary "ambitious shock plan" to revitalize Argentina's economy. Opponents of the budget cuts, however, recall harsher times when educational institutions were shuttered during the military dictatorship of the 1970s, emphasizing the critical role of education in society and urging the government to seek alternative avenues for budget adjustments.



Thousands in Argentina rally against education cuts

Thousands of people carrying books took over Plaza de Mayo in front of the presidential palace. They say public education is at risk, and that's why they want the government of Libertarian President Javier Milet to know they'll be here to defend it. Leandro Vergara is the dean of the University of Buenos Aires Law School. Education is a constitutional right, and it's the job of the state to promote public education and high-level education. It provides opportunity and is at the center of any type of development. The University of Buenos Aires is free and is considered to be among the top universities in the world. People say it's a matter of national pride. Faculty, students and staff from public universities have all come here to defend public education. There's over 60 public universities in Argentina, and they depend on the national budget. But since Javier Milet took office, funding for these universities have not increased in spite of soaring inflation. Government officials accuse universities of irregularities and want to carry out an audit. Milet addressed the nation on Monday, saying he will continue with his austerity plan to jumpstart the economy. We announced when we took office that the situation is so serious that Argentina has no time for gradualism and that's why we implemented the most ambitious shock plan in our history. But people here say Milet is making a mistake. When I was studying during the dictatorship in the 1970s, the military closed my university And I defend the University of Buenos Aires because it is the best we have in education. An education that has provided an opportunity to a higher education to millions of people in the country. They showed up on the streets in times of need to tell the government the budget cuts need to happen somewhere else.

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