Students, Teachers, and Activists Confront Police Over President Kast’s Education Cuts

SANTIAGO, Chile – Thousands of students, teachers and social activists clashed with police in the capital on Wednesday during a large demonstration against President José Antonio Kast’s proposed cuts to education funding and broader austerity measures.

Since taking office on March 11, Kast has pledged to trim public spending by roughly $6 billion over 18 months, aiming to strengthen the country’s fiscal balance. As part of that plan, the administration is imposing a nearly 3% cut across all ministries.

The protests have drawn criticism not only from opposition parties but also from factions within the governing coalition.

The march was organized by the Confederation of Chilean Students and supported by the Teachers’ Union, secondary school student groups, and feminist organizations.

Although the demonstration began peacefully, tensions soon escalated into clashes between protesters and police. Officers deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, while some demonstrators threw rocks and other objects. Several streets were blocked and multiple subway stations were closed.

“The government sought to provoke this to justify repression,” said Mario Aguilar, president of the Chilean Teachers’ Union.

The demonstrators also opposed the government’s National Reconstruction bill, a sweeping package aimed at reducing state spending, encouraging investment, and boosting the economy.

The “mega‑reform” bill was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in late May and is now slated for debate in the Senate.

“They want to silence us, but we will not stop,” said 21‑year‑old student Magdalena Correa. “They’re taking away our resources and rights, and we must fight back.”

Police and government officials have not yet commented on the clashes. However, Associated Press reporters observed at least a dozen arrests and several injuries during the unrest.

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