Educational crisis in Argentina: Milei's cuts generate discontent in universities.

The current situation of public education in Argentina is at the center of an intense debate, marked by spending cuts driven by President Javier Milei. Despite being elected with the support of a significant portion of university voters, his policies are generating growing discontent among this sector of the population. Patricio Aguilar, a 23-year-old agricultural student at the University of Buenos Aires, is a clear example of this dissonance. Although Aguilar voted for Milei and acknowledges that he has managed to reduce inflation and eliminate deficits, he cannot ignore the critical situation that universities and their faculty currently face. The cut to the education budget and the reduction of teachers' salaries have been measures that have profoundly affected the quality of education. In a country where free education is a source of pride and is considered fundamental for the development of its human capital, the cuts have particularly hit teachers, who have seen their incomes reduced by more than a fifth when adjusted for inflation. The outrage among teachers and students is palpable, and protests have begun to become part of daily life at universities, disrupting the normal conduct of classes. Despite the growing disapproval, Milei remains one of the most popular politicians in the country, benefiting from an economic recovery and a decrease in inflation. However, the hidden numbers behind his popularity reveal a significant change in the perception that Argentines with university education have. More than 60% of this group disapproves of the president, a considerable blow compared to the 46% support he received in the last elections. According to analysts, the gap between the electoral support Milei obtained last year and his current disapproval suggests that his confrontational approach towards the academic sphere is generating broader discontent. Yuri Sanches, a political risk expert, states that the tension between the president and universities is a key factor in the decline of his popularity among educated voters. Furthermore, economic problems continue to weigh down Milei's image, despite his efforts to present an optimistic outlook. Education is not the only sector that has felt Milei's heavy hand. Since the beginning of his term, he has drastically cut spending on infrastructure and eliminated numerous government programs, provoking the ire of the International Monetary Fund, which has warned about the need for quality fiscal adjustments. However, Milei's measures have sparked a wave of criticism in the academic field, where there is a sense of threat from his rhetoric and policies. Cuts to federal funding for public universities have triggered a series of protests, intensifying after a law that would have increased teachers' salaries in response to inflation was vetoed. Milei's refusal to increase the education budget has led many to question his commitment to education and his vision for the country's future. The idea of auditing public universities, presented by the president as an effort to eradicate corruption, has also been met with suspicion by teachers, who fear for the stability of their jobs and the quality of education. The Secretary of Education, Carlos Torrendell, has tried to divert attention to what he considers "a bad government" in universities, accusing teachers of mismanaging resources. However, this stance has resulted in an escalation of tensions in an already polarized environment. Teachers, who have seen their salaries reduced and their working conditions deteriorating, feel victimized by a discourse that portrays them as part of a corrupt "elite." Despite this adverse climate, some students still support Milei. Franco Namor, for example, continues to back the president, although he also acknowledges that his approach has been too aggressive. The polarization surrounding Milei's figure is evident, showing that despite differences, many academics and students agree that education needs deep reforms, albeit not in the direction the president has taken. The educational crisis in Argentina is a topic that deserves attention. The graduation rate has decreased, and figures reveal that only 23% of students at public universities graduate on time, a significant drop compared to ten years ago. As the government seeks to reduce spending on education, concerns about the future of the Argentine university system are intensifying. There are fears that if investment in education is not prioritized, the potential of future generations will be compromised. The coming months will be crucial in defining the direction of education in Argentina. With the budget for 2025 already under discussion, teachers and students are nervous about the possibility of continued cuts, affecting not only their salaries but also the quality of the education they receive. The loyalty of teachers to educational institutions and their commitment to teaching are being tested in a scenario where reforms are necessary, but the government's priorities seem to be heading in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Belén Amadeo, a teacher who has seen her salary diminished, remains steadfast in her commitment to the University of Buenos Aires. Her experience reflects the anguish of many other teachers who, despite the difficulties, strive to maintain educational quality in an increasingly adverse context. The story of education in Argentina is at a turning point, and only time will tell if these drastic measures will lead to significant progress or if they will instead result in a setback in the country's intellectual development.