In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a massive protest unfolded as tens of thousands demanded increased funding for public universities.
President Javier Milei, who took office in 2023, vowed to slash public spending and has targeted state-run universities, labeling them as centers of socialist indoctrination.
Despite the universities’ struggles, the government has maintained funding at 2023 levels, leading to warnings of potential closures.
Ricardo Gelpi, the rector of the University of Buenos Aires, cautioned that the institution could shut down within three months without additional funding. The government’s decision comes amidst inflation, reducing the real value of the budget by up to 80%.
Milei attributes Argentina’s economic decline to decades of overspending by previous left-wing administrations and advocates for “shock treatment” to address the crisis. However, critics argue that his policies risk exacerbating social and economic challenges.
At the protests, Franco Bartolacci, president of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, emphasized the damaging impact of funding cuts on university activities.
Images from the demonstrations depict a sea of marchers holding banners advocating for public universities. Milei’s provocative rhetoric, characterized by personal attacks on political figures and public figures, has drawn controversy.
His use of a chainsaw as a symbolic gesture to cut public spending underscores his confrontational approach to governance.
Despite his polarizing leadership style, the protests reflect widespread concern over the future of Argentina’s higher education system under Milei’s administration.
