"Without a budget, there is no future."
The Fourth Federal University March in Argentina took to the streets of several cities across the country, centered in the capital Buenos Aires, on Tuesday, May 12, united under the slogan «Without a budget, there is no future.".
This mobilization is a continuation of a conflict that has intensified due to the lack of implementation of the University Financing Law, passed by Congress at the end of 2025, which the libertarian government of Javier Milei refuses to apply.
The central issue is the demand that the National Government comply with the University Financing Law, which is currently the subject of a legal dispute after being ratified by Congress despite the presidential veto. The main points are:
-Salary restructuring: They denounce that the salaries of teachers and non-teaching staff have lost approximately 34% of their purchasing power since the end of 2023.
-Operating budget: They demand the updating of the budget items for the operation of the faculties and the maintenance of the university hospitals.
-Scholarships and Science: There is uncertainty about the continuity of student scholarship programs and the funding of scientific research projects.
The march enjoyed massive support from various sectors of the academic and scientific community, such as the National Interuniversity Council (CIN), which brings together the rectors of national universities, and the Argentine University Federation (FUA), which represents student centers throughout the country. The participation of the CLACSO Centers of Argentina and the endorsements and support received from institutions and networks in other countries.
In addition, the following joined: the University Union Front, the CGT and CTA labor unions, social movements and various political sectors.
The day before, as a prelude, public classes were held in various faculties to highlight the deterioration in salaries and in the functioning of the educational institutions caused by the lack of funding in accordance with the law.
CLACSO reaffirms its commitment to public education and against attempts to defund scientific research.
The document read at all the demonstrations across the country concludes as follows: "Let's not allow the pillars of our universities—faculty, staff, researchers, and students—to be expelled from the system. If we don't defend our universities today, a prosperous future for our country will remain just a dream. It's here and now! Public universities must be defended! For more and better public education and science!"
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