Thousands Flood Buenos Aires Streets In Massive University Funding Protest

Video filmed by X user silviamiss1 shows scenes from the massive Marcha Federal Universitaria that took place across Argentina on May 12, 2026.

Large crowds of students, university teachers, researchers, and non-teaching staff marched through the streets of Buenos Aires and other cities. Protesters filled major avenues and gathered at Plaza de Mayo.

Many participants carried banners, Argentine flags, and signs calling for compliance with the Ley de Financiamiento Universitario, higher salaries, and the defense of public universities against budget cuts under the government of President Javier Milei.

The demonstration was the fourth federal university march since Milei took office.

The protests were organized by the Consejo Interuniversitario Nacional (CIN), student federations, and unions. Their demands included the immediate implementation of the university financing law, salary increases for teachers and staff, and the protection of public higher education.

Thousands took part in Buenos Aires, while major demonstrations were also held in other provinces across the country.

The government responded by promising meetings with university rectors but faced criticism over austerity measures that resulted in a real-term reduction in university budgets.

The march became one of the largest mobilizations in defense of public education in recent years.