More than a hundred thousand protesters gathered in Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina on Tuesday to demand President Javier Milei increase funding for public universities. The protests, organized by students, alumni, unions, and political parties, were among the largest in a series of demonstrations that have occurred since Milei took office with promises of significant cuts to public spending and economic deregulation.
The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) reported that approximately 800,000 people participated in the protests in Buenos Aires, while Milei's government claimed the number was around 150,000 protesters. The government defended its decision to freeze the 2023 budget for public universities, citing increases only in operating expenses, which account for just 15% of the total spending needs according to UBA.
Protesters argue that freezing the budget effectively means cutting spending, especially with Argentina experiencing double-digit inflation rates, the highest in the world for the third consecutive month. Many protesters emphasized the importance of education as a fundamental right and a key factor for social mobility in Argentina.
Milei has justified his austerity measures as necessary to address the country's economic crisis by reducing government overspending. He claimed that these measures have already shown positive results, including the country's first budget surplus since 2008, which he believes will lead to long-term inflation control.
However, critics argue that the austerity measures are disproportionately affecting the poorer segments of society in a country where the poverty rate exceeds 50%. The government has also implemented cuts to various public services, including shutting down national agencies and reducing aid to vulnerable communities.
Protests against Milei's austerity agenda have been ongoing since he assumed office, with labor unions organizing strikes and thousands taking to the streets to voice their opposition to the government's policies.
