In a country struggling with economic crises and political disappointments, the fight for free public higher education has become a rallying cry for the lower and middle classes. The massive marches on Tuesday in defense of the public university in Argentina marked a turning point in President Javier Milei’s mandate, as he has made high-impact decisions aimed at eliminating the fiscal deficit and shrinking the state.
The privatization agenda seems to have reached its first limit with the public university, as it is one of the few pillars that still stand and holds hope for a better future. Images of classes taught in dark classrooms or outside due to lack of funds have outraged both Peronists and left-wing voters, as well as voters from other forces closer to the government – radicals, macristas, and even repentant milleistas.
The smear campaign launched by Milei’s far-right government only worsened the situation. The president accused teachers of indoctrinating and brainwashing students who she claimed were caught in socialist ideology. However, this did not resonate with many people who recognized the importance of public universities as a source of admiration in Latin America.
The problem lies with resources allocated to cover administrative expenses during March and April. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA), one of Argentina’s most prestigious universities, is also facing uncertainty as funding remains unchanged from 2023 despite an inflation rate approaching 300% year-on-year. This has led to a significant cut in resources, which has left students and professors uncertain about classes for the second semester.
Despite attempts by Milei’s government to discredit protesters as opposition political acts or organized by socialist groups, Tuesday’s march was massive and heterogeneous like few others since Argentina’s corralito crisis of 2001-2002. Estimates put participation at around 450,000 people based on drone footage analysis alone. Both Milei and former President Mauricio Macri reduced funding for public schools while also launching financial aid plans for parents who sent their children to private schools. However, this move threatens upward mobility opportunities for an impoverished society like Argentina’s if it means allowing universities like UBA to disappear entirely.
