Students and Teachers Rally Against Chile’s Big Budget Cuts

In Santiago, a wave of students, teachers and activists marched to protest President Kast’s plan to slash public spending by about $6 billion in the next year and a half. The president, who took office on March 11, promised a nearly 3 percent cut in all ministries as part of his austerity push. The plan has upset not only opposition parties but also some allies inside the ruling coalition. The Confederation of Chilean Students organized the march, and it received support from teachers’ unions, high‑school groups and feminist organizations. At first the protest was peaceful, but tensions rose when police used water cannons and tear gas.Some demonstrators threw rocks, leading to several street blockages and the closure of subway stations. “Government actions create situations that justify repression, ” said a teachers’ union leader. The protest also targeted the National Reconstruction bill, a large package aimed at cutting state spending and boosting investment. The bill passed the Chamber of Deputies in May and is now up for debate in the Senate. A 21‑year‑old student said, “They’re taking away our resources and rights, and we have to fight back. ” Police and officials have not yet commented on the clashes. Journalists observed at least a dozen arrests and several injuries during the unrest.