Chilean students clash with police over proposed budget cuts

Students in Santiago, Chile, engaged in violent clashes with police following the presentation of President José Antonio Kast’s 2027 budget proposal. Protesters marched toward the La Moneda presidential palace to demonstrate against proposed spending cuts, particularly in the education and health sectors.

Law enforcement utilized tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, while protesters responded by throwing stones and bottles. At least six arrests were reported. The demonstrations were organized by groups including the Assembly of Secondary Student Coordinators (ACES) and the National Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH).

The budget proposal includes a nearly 3% cut in certain areas, including a significant reduction in funding for Bicentenario merit high schools and the elimination of laptop grants. While President Kast stated that free higher education would remain available to over 600,000 students, critics argue the measures represent a systematic rollback of social rights.

Internal political tension has emerged within the President’s coalition, as deputies from the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) have proposed protecting education programs by instead reducing the budget of the National Human Rights Institute (INDH).