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Argentina's Congress Upholds Milei's Veto on University Funding Amid Public Outcry
In a significant political development, Argentina's lower house of Congress has failed to overturn President Javier Milei's veto of a bill aimed at increasing funding for public universities. This decision, reached during a recent vote, underscores the ongoing tension between the government and the public amid an escalating economic crisis characterized by soaring inflation and widespread poverty.
On Wednesday, lawmakers voted 160 in favor and 84 against the veto, with five abstentions, falling short of the two-thirds majority required to reverse Milei's decision. The proposed legislation sought to adjust university funding in line with Argentina's staggering inflation rate, which is currently one of the highest in the world at nearly 240% annually. This economic backdrop has seen over half of the nation's population living below the poverty line.
Milei, who identifies as an anarcho-capitalist, has implemented a series of austerity measures since his electoral victory last year. He has criticized the university funding proposal as "unjustified," arguing that it would jeopardize the fiscal stability he aims to achieve amid ongoing economic turmoil. His administration's budget cuts have significantly affected public spending across various sectors, including health, pensions, and education, with university salaries reportedly losing around 40% of their purchasing power due to inflationary pressures.
The political landscape complicates matters further; although Milei's far-right party holds a minor presence in Congress, it has formed alliances with conservative legislators to prevent opposition parties from reaching the necessary votes to pass the funding bill. This strategic maneuvering reflects a broader trend of increasing polarization within Argentine politics.
Public sentiment against these austerity measures has manifested in mass protests across the country. Earlier this month, thousands gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires, brandishing signs demanding greater investment in education. One protester, Ana Hoqui, a psychology graduate, emphasized the critical role that public universities have played in her life and career aspirations. "I have never been without a public university," she stated passionately. "I feel it’s in danger."
These protests follow earlier demonstrations in April when approximately one million people took to the streets nationwide to voice their discontent over cuts to higher education funding. Labor unions, opposition parties, and private educational institutions have rallied together in support of these movements.
As Argentina grapples with its economic challenges and escalating public dissent, the implications of Milei's policies on education and social welfare remain a focal point for both lawmakers and citizens alike.