The recent marches in defense of public universities in Argentina have marked a turning point in President Javier Milei’s mandate. Despite his efforts to eliminate the fiscal deficit and shrink the state, his privatization agenda seems to have hit its first limit with the public university.
In a country that has faced multiple economic crises and political disappointments, free public higher education is one of the few remaining pillars that still stand and provide hope for a better future for their children. Images of classes taught in dark classrooms or outside the faculties due to lack of funds have outraged people from all sides of the political spectrum.
Milei’s smear campaign against teachers only worsened the situation, as he accused them of indoctrinating and brainwashing students who he believed were caught in the grip of socialism. However, Milei failed to take into account that nearly every family in Argentina has stories of people whose lives were transformed by public education.
The budget for Argentine public universities is only enough to last until July, leaving both students and professors uncertain about whether there will be classes in the second semester. Even UBA, the most prestigious university in Argentina and among the best in Latin America, is facing uncertainty with its resources being cut by almost 70% as inflation approaches 300%.
Despite government attempts to disqualify the protests, they were massive and diverse like few others since the corralito crisis of 2001-2002. The organizers estimated that 800,000 people marched in Buenos Aires alone, while police reduced it to 150,000. However, based on images taken by drones and on the ground, The Nation estimated that there were 450,000 protesters.
The middle class played a significant role in these protests as well as this Tuesday’s march. However, Milei spent Tuesday retweeting messages from accounts that mocked or attacked protesters instead of engaging with them directly. His spokesperson remained silent while Pro representatives from Macri’s party defended his position.
Former Peronist presidential candidate Juan Grabois warned Milei that his attack on public education had generated unprecedented resistance among Argentines who view it as an inalienable right necessary for upward mobility. In response to Grabois’ warning on social networks, Milei simply posted an image of a lion drinking from a cup labeled “left-handed tears.”