Students at the University of Buenos Aires Exact and Natural Sciences building have staged a mass assembly inside the central hall, covering the walls with protest banners against President Javier Milei’s sweeping spending cuts. The occupation of the historic public university marks a traditional escalation tactic aimed at pressuring the authorities and raising public awareness regarding the deterioration of higher education.

Faculty members and students warn that the current austerity agenda threatens the survival of free public education in Argentina. According to student representatives, top-tier professors are leaving en masse for private institutions because public salaries fail to cover basic living expenses. Critics argue that the Milei regime is shifting the heavy economic burden onto ordinary citizens while neglecting critical public infrastructure and welfare systems.

Meanwhile, the Argentine leader purportedly defends his economic trajectory, claiming during a recent visit to Washington that the country is experiencing remarkable and sustained growth. While official figures point to a drop in inflation, the administration's policies have devastated welfare programs, pensions, and educational budgets. Despite Congress previously overriding presidential vetoes to mandate increased university funding, the regime has allegedly refused to implement the measures, citing a lack of defined financing sources.

The standoff culminated in violent clashes on the streets of Buenos Aires as thousands marched to demand government compliance with the financing laws. Peaceful demonstrations quickly dissolved into chaos, with police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters who threw rocks. At least 25 individuals were detained, and numerous participants and security personnel sustained injuries. Educators stress that taking to the streets has become a desperate measure against a regime they accuse of abandoning public education.

Source: www.aljazeera.com