More than 100 Argentine university students entered the Education Ministry building in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, demanding the implementation of a university funding law that has remained suspended by President Javier Milei’s government since October 2025.
The students entered the Sarmiento Palace, the ministry’s headquarters, and staged a sit-in while calling for a meeting with Education Secretary Carlos Torrendell. They accused the government of failing to enforce legislation approved by Congress and said they had received no satisfactory response to their demands.
The protest came a day after Argentina’s judiciary declared unconstitutional the government decree that had halted implementation of the University Financing Law. The legislation provides additional funding for universities and seeks to address financial pressures facing the higher education sector.
Students from universities across the country also demanded higher Progresar scholarships, stronger mental health policies, and increased funding for university residences and dining halls.
According to local media reports, a small group of students briefly met with Torrendell during the occupation, but protesters said the meeting was abruptly interrupted and failed to produce answers to their demands.
Federal Police later entered the building and evicted the protesters after the sit-in. Students described the operation as violent, while the government defended the eviction and said protests must remain within the law.
Argentina’s Ministry of Human Capital said it would file a complaint over what it described as a violent occupation and alleged damage to public property. National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva also defended the police action, saying citizens have the right to protest peacefully but cannot violate public buildings.
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The confrontation comes ahead of the Fifth Federal University March scheduled for October 15, when university students and staff are expected to mobilize in defense of higher education funding and other social demands.
