In Argentina, professors, students and university authorities march against Milei’s cuts
Protesters in Argentina, including professors, students, and university authorities, marched in Buenos Aires and other cities on May 12 to demand compliance with education funding laws amid a 45.6% budget cut since 2023. The demonstrations, the fourth under President Javier Milei’s administration, target salary losses for university staff and outdated student financial aid, with broad public and artistic support expected.
Argentina’s academic community held nationwide protests on May 12, with the largest rally in Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, to demand the government of Javier Milei reverse cuts to public university funding. Since 2023, budgets have dropped by 45.6%, forcing professors and staff to resign or seek additional jobs due to a 33% loss in purchasing power, according to the National Interuniversity Council (CIN). The protests follow court rulings ordering the executive to restore funding levels from late 2023, with CIN president Franco Bartolacci emphasizing the urgency of updating scholarships and salaries. The demonstration was the fourth since Milei’s administration took office, with simultaneous marches across Argentina. University of Buenos Aires (UBA) rector Ricardo Gelpi warned that undermining education risks the country’s future, while artists like Ca7riel, Cecilia Roth, and León Gieco joined calls for participation. Protesters set up impromptu classes on Buenos Aires streets as a prelude to the rally, reflecting broader public dissatisfaction with Milei’s economic policies, dubbed ‘chainsaw’ reforms. Unions report increasing industrial action due to financial strain, disrupting academic activities nationwide. The central demand is compliance with the university funding law, which requires adjusting budgets to pre-2023 inflation levels. With strong public support expected, organizers aim to pressure the government into reversing cuts that threaten Argentina’s public education system.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.