Today, a "Federal University March" is taking place, called in opposition to the government of Javier Milei, with strong support from sectors linked to Kirchnerism.
The demonstration, which is demanding greater budget allocations for education and universities, is happening after the libertarian administration announced significant real increases in those sectors, although now they seem to want even more.
However, this type of demonstration stands in stark contrast when reviewing the recent history of educational funding in the country. In 2022, during Sergio Massa's tenure as Minister of Economy in the previous Kirchnerist government, Administrative Decision No. 826/2022 was implemented, which involved a general adjustment of almost 210 billion pesos.
La marcha de la UBA.
Massa's cut in education
Of the total reduction, more than 70 billion directly affected the education sector, significantly impacting key programs and the infrastructure of institutions.
Among the most affected sectors was the emblematic Conectar Igualdad plan, whose budget was reduced by approximately 50 billion pesos, which represented about 35% of the funds originally allocated.
In addition, the cut reached kindergartens, the strengthening of school buildings, and the infrastructure and educational equipment of the provinces, with reductions of 15 billion and 5 billion pesos in specific allocations. Taken together, these measures represented a 5% decrease in the national education budget, a significant blow for a sector that has historically faced financial limitations.
Javier Milei, presidente de Argentina.
Unlike the current marches, in that context of significant cuts there were no demonstrations of the magnitude seen today. The absence of mass protests in the face of a reduction that directly impacted essential programs and educational infrastructure highlights a double standard that the opposition seems to overlook when calling for the current demonstrations.
Milei's increase in education
This scenario becomes even more relevant considering that, within the framework of the 2026 Budget, Milei's government announced real increases for the education sector. National universities, for example, will receive an allocation of 4.8 trillion pesos, and the budget designated for Education will increase by 8% above inflation.
In light of these announcements, today's university march represents more of an anti-Milei political act driven by the opposition than a response to an actual austerity policy.
