Federal University March Demands Funding Law as Police Clash with Protesters

Thousands of students, teachers, and union members mobilized across Argentina on Wednesday for the Fifth Federal University March, converging on Congress to demand immediate implementation of the University Financing Law ratified five times by Congress. The government of President Javier Milei has blocked the law, which updates salaries, scholarships, and university funds based on inflation since December 2023.

Organizers claim the administration has accumulated a 32% salary debt with university faculty. Union leader Laura Carboni stated a first assistant professor with semi-exclusive dedication earned a gross basic salary of 561,659 pesos in October, while the financing law mandates 741,111 pesos.

“The witness position we have, a first assistant with semi-exclusive dedication, received a gross basic salary of 561,659 pesos in October, when according to the University Financing Law they should have received 741,111 pesos.”

The march coincided with an opposition attempt in the Lower House to gather a quorum to reject Decree 70/2023, Milei's mega-decree deregulating hundreds of activities. Major labor confederations CGT and both CTAs, along with social movements and political parties, joined the demonstration.

Streets around Congress were fenced off early, with barriers on Riobamba, Callao, and surrounding avenues. Around 16:00, the central rally began in Plaza del Congreso where a joint document was read. Simultaneously, Gendarmerie and police deployed water cannons and motorized units against left-wing groups throwing stones at the perimeter fence.

The judiciary has imposed daily fines on the Chief of Cabinet for non-compliance with a court order regarding the University Funds Law. Protests also took place in cities including Córdoba, Rosario, and San Nicolás.