Students and activists have taken to the streets in Chile to protest planned cuts to public education funding, with demonstrations turning tense in the capital Santiago. Thousands joined the march, calling for greater investment in schools and universities as the government’s proposed 2027 budget faces growing opposition.
Police moved to disperse protesters along the planned route, using tear gas and water cannons. Some demonstrators responded by throwing stones, bottles and wooden sticks, leading to clashes and arrests.
Student groups say the proposed budget could put additional pressure on public education and are demanding stronger funding for the sector.
The protests came shortly after President José Antonio Kast presented his proposed 2027 budget to Congress. The government says education remains among its spending priorities, while student and teacher organizations have questioned whether the proposed funding is sufficient.
At least 17 people were detained during the unrest, according to Chile’s Interior Ministry. Student organizations have indicated that further mobilizations could follow as the budget proposal moves through Congress.
The demonstrations highlight an ongoing dispute over public education funding, government spending priorities and the future of schools and universities in Chile.
