Hundreds of Thousands Protest Argentina's Budget Cuts to Public Universities:
Hundreds of thousands of Argentines protested in Buenos Aires on Tuesday against budget cuts to public universities, marking the largest anti-government demonstration yet against President Javier Milei's austerity measures.
The protests, which were backed by unions, expressed frustration over spending reductions aimed at addressing a fiscal deficit, but perceived as causing economic hardship.
Banners read "Defend the public universities," "Studying is a right," and "Up with the budget, down with Milei's plan." An 82-year-old architect named Pedro Palm spoke out in defense of Argentina's public universities, including the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), which is at risk of closing due to significant budget cuts.
The cuts, implemented by the current government under President Mauricio Macri, aim to address an economic crisis caused by years of overspending.
Public universities, which provide free undergraduate education, heavily depend on government funding.
Pedro Palm emphasized the importance of education in Argentine ideology.
The presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, assured that the government has no intention of closing universities and urged for a peaceful march.
Ivan Massari, a biology and genetics teacher, advocated for the defense of free education as a means to level society and provide opportunities for all.
He viewed public education as a tool for social transformation, enabling individuals to develop themselves, contribute to society, and build their future.