Student Power: Thousands March for Free Public Education in Argentina

In a country struggling with economic instability and political disillusionment, the fight for free public higher education is one of the few remaining pillars holding together hope for a better future. The massive marches on Tuesday in defense of the public university in Argentina marked a significant turning point in President Javier Milei’s mandate.

Since taking office, Milei has implemented bold measures to address the fiscal deficit and reduce government spending, including paralyzing public works, closing state agencies, firing thousands of officials, lowering pensions and salaries. While these decisions have been met with mixed reactions, it appears that his attempts to privatize the public university system may have finally hit a limit.

The free public university system is seen as an essential part of Argentine society by many people, particularly those from the lower and middle classes who see it as their ticket to upward mobility. However, images of classes being taught in dark classrooms or outside due to lack of funding have sparked outrage among students and teachers alike. Even repentant milleistas recognize its importance.

The smear campaign launched by Milei’s government has only made matters worse by accusing teachers of indoctrinating and brainwashing students. While some may find this rhetoric appealing, many others are outraged by her lack of consideration for the role that public universities play in shaping future generations.

Despite efforts to downplay the significance of these protests as an opposition political act, they were massive and diverse like few others since the social outbreak of the corralito crisis in 2001-2002. Organizers estimated that 800,000 people marched alone in Buenos Aires alone while police put it at 150,000 but The Diary estimated based on drone and ground imagery analysis that there were 450,000 protesters overall. The middle class played a leading role in all those large protests as well as this Tuesday’s one.