Tens of thousands protest in Argentina over Milei university cuts – Al Jazeera

Tens of thousands of Argentines took to the streets in cities across the country on May 12, 2026, to protest funding cuts to the public university system implemented by the government of President Javier Milei.

In central Buenos Aires, large crowds marched toward the presidential palace to denounce budget shortfalls. Protesters argued that these financial reductions are undermining the foundations of higher education in Argentina.

The public university system in Argentina has been tuition-free since 1949 and is regarded as a significant point of national pride, having produced five Nobel laureates.

Legislative Conflict Over University Funding

The current unrest follows a legislative dispute regarding the financing of academic institutions. In 2025, Congress approved a law designed to finance the operating costs of universities and increase academic salaries to keep pace with soaring inflation.

However, the government of Javier Milei has refused to implement the legislation and is currently challenging the law in court.

President Milei has framed his cuts as part of a broader strategy to slash the state budget. He argues that the budget has been bloated by decades of corruption and reckless expenditures under previous left-leaning administrations.

Beyond fiscal concerns, Milei has frequently criticized the public university system on ideological grounds, denouncing these institutions as bastions of "woke" teaching.

Economic Pressure and Social Unrest

The demonstrations on May 12, 2026, drew participants of various political leanings, and ages. The protests occur as President Milei faces sliding approval ratings amid a shrinking economy, rising unemployment, and falling real wages.

Public anger has also been fueled by allegations of corruption within the administration. According to Al Jazeera, local media have reported an investigation into the spending habits of Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni.

The investigation focuses on what is described as lavish spending by Adorni, which reportedly appears inconsistent with his declared assets and official salary.

The combination of academic funding cuts and broader economic instability has intensified the friction between the libertarian government and the public sector, specifically within the education system.