Thousands of students, professors and labour union members have taken to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest against Argentine President Javier Milei’s economic austerity plan, particularly cuts to public university funding.
The demonstrations near the Congress building escalated into clashes with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Protesters say the cuts are undermining education quality, eroding salaries and threatening students’ ability to continue their studies.
Protester Agustin Romero criticised the impact of the cuts on education and pensions, while student Emiliano Gato described the difficulties students face as university funding comes under pressure.
Milei, speaking in New York, defended his economic programme, saying Argentina’s economy is growing rapidly and his reforms are helping to reduce inflation.
Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the university funding law is implemented, setting the stage for a continuing confrontation over public education and the government’s economic policies.
Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires.
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