Protesters in Buenos Aires Call for Increased Funding for Education and Healthcare

On Wednesday, large crowds gathered in downtown Buenos Aires to call for increased public funding for universities and paediatric healthcare services. The demonstration comes in response to recent budget cuts introduced under President Javier Milei’s administration.

Since taking office in December 2023, President Milei has implemented a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing public spending and controlling inflation. These measures have included significant cuts to various public sectors, including education and healthcare. While inflation has declined from double to single digits, the spending cuts have drawn criticism from various sectors of society.

The protest was organised to pressure lawmakers to overturn Milei’s recent vetoes of legislation that would have increased funding for public universities and paediatric hospitals. According to the government, these laws would have negatively impacted the country’s fiscal balance.

Earlier this week, the government submitted its proposed budget for the coming year. The proposal includes increases of 17% for healthcare, 8% for education, and 5% for pensions, adjusted for inflation, while maintaining a balanced fiscal outlook.

Despite these proposed increases, the National University of Buenos Aires stated that the budget does not adequately address the challenges facing the public university system. The university highlighted concerns about stalled infrastructure projects, facility maintenance, and stagnant salaries for educators, calling the current situation an “unprecedented crisis.”

President Milei’s administration is preparing for midterm elections in October, where it seeks to gain enough seats to reduce the opposition’s control in Congress.