Javier Milei's University Funding Law Veto: A Controversial Legislative Battle
In a dramatic session on October 9, 2024, Argentine President Javier Milei narrowly succeeded in vetoing the University Financing Law, a move that has sparked significant backlash from the educational community and opposition legislators. The law, which aimed to secure additional funding and salary increases for university teachers, was initially passed by a large opposition majority but faced a fierce challenge in Congress.
Milei's coalition, La Libertad Avanza, along with support from the PRO party, managed to gather 84 votes in favor of the veto against 164 from the opposition, falling short of the two-thirds majority required to override it. Key absences among opposition members and last-minute shifts in voting patterns were crucial in enabling the government to maintain its stance against the law.
During the debate, Deputy José Luis Espert, a prominent figure in Milei's administration, criticized the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), claiming that the funding model proposed was a scam. This sentiment echoed Milei's broader narrative of fiscal responsibility, which he claims justifies cuts to university funding.
The rector of UBA, Ricardo Gelpi, expressed grave concerns about the future of the university system in an open letter, warning of an unprecedented crisis. He emphasized that the law was essential for ensuring the sustainability of quality education in Argentina, a sentiment shared by countless students and educators who protested against the veto.
As the government continues to implement austerity measures, funding for universities has reportedly dropped by 30% since Milei took office. Teachers have also seen their salaries diminish in real terms, losing 23.7% of their purchasing power due to inflation. In a last-ditch effort to quell dissent, the government announced a modest salary increase for teachers just before the vote, but many remain unconvinced of the administration's commitment to public education.
The fallout from this legislative battle underscores the ongoing tensions between fiscal policy and public education in Argentina, raising critical questions about the future of higher education funding in the country.
