Protesters clash with police in Chile over education cuts
8 reported
Thousands of students, teachers and social activists clashed with police in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday during a march against President José Antonio Kast’s education cuts and austerity measures. The protest was organized by the Confederation of Chilean Students and supported by the Teachers’ Union, secondary school student associations, and feminist groups. The march began peacefully but escalated when clashes broke out, with police using water cannons and tear gas while some demonstrators threw rocks and other objects. Several streets were blocked and multiple subway stations were closed. The government has not yet commented on the clashes, but Associated Press journalists observed at least a dozen arrests and several injuries.
What’s reported
Thousands of students, teachers and social activists clashed with police in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday.
The march was against President José Antonio Kast’s education cuts and austerity measures.
Since taking office on March 11, Kast has pledged to cut roughly $6 billion in public spending over 18 months.
His government is forcing a nearly 3% budget cut across all ministries.
The march was organized by the Confederation of Chilean Students and supported by the Teachers’ Union, secondary school student associations, and feminist groups.
Police used water cannons and tear gas; some demonstrators threw rocks and other objects.
Several streets were blocked and multiple subway stations were closed.
Associated Press journalists observed at least a dozen arrests and several injuries.
Key figures
President José Antonio Kast
Mario Aguilar, president of the Chilean Teachers’ Union
Magdalena Correa, a 21-year-old student
Sources: abcnews.com
