Mariam Ashalem De Andres
16 October 2026•Update: 16 October 2026
Clashes erupted between protesters and police during Argentina’s fifth Federal University March on Thursday, as thousands gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires to demand that President Javier Milei’s government implement the University Funding Law.
At least 10 people were injured and 31 detained, including two minors, local media outlet La Nacion reported Friday.
Police used tear gas and water cannons during clashes near Congress. Eight security personnel were also injured during the incidents, La Nacion reported.
The demonstration was organized by university unions, the National Interuniversity Council (CIN) and the Argentine University Federation (FUA).
The organizers demanded that the government implement legislation guaranteeing funding for public universities, including provisions on staff salaries and student scholarships.
The central rally ended earlier than scheduled at around 4.40 pm local time (1940GMT) due to heavy rain and clashes in the surrounding area, La Nacion reported.
Organizers condemned the police response and reiterated their demand that the government comply with the funding law.
Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva defended the police operation in a post on US social media company X, saying the right to demonstrate did not justify violence.
She warned that those who attacked security personnel or damaged public property would face justice.
Authorities estimated damage to public infrastructure around Congress at 90 million Argentine pesos ($59,376), according to La Nacion.
The protest took place amid a prolonged dispute between Milei’s government and public universities over funding.
University representatives have warned that budget constraints are eroding staff purchasing power and undermining student support.
The government has pursued austerity measures to reduce public spending, prompting repeated demonstrations by university staff and students demanding greater resources for public higher education.
