One Year of Milei

One Year of Milei: A Review of Policy Changes in Higher Education and Beyond

Article de Jasmin Harstall

A bit over a year ago, on December 10th, 2023, Javier Milei assumed the presidency of Argentina, marking the start of a new chapter in the country’s political landscape. Milei, a self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist” campaigned on a platform advocating for significant economic reforms, a focus on reducing what he called “cultural Marxism”, and major changes to public institutions, including higher education. His proposals resonated with voters grappling with economic uncertainty, leading to his victory in the November 2023 runoff election. This review reflects on Milei’s first year, focusing on his policies affecting higher education, shifts in university funding, broader economic reforms, and their reception within the academic community.

Milei’s Vision and Early Actions 

Milei’s presidency began with a vision focused on reshaping Argentina’s economy and government, grounded in his belief that the country’s structural issues required significant reform. He assumed office during a severe economic crisis, marked by high inflation exceeding 140%, a depreciating peso, and nearly half of the population living in poverty. His election reflected widespread dissatisfaction with government policies and the political establishment. Milei campaigned on a promise to dismantle what he called a “garbage political caste” that, in his view, had entrenched corruption and incompetence within the government. His electoral slogan, “Viva la libertad, carajo!” (“Long live freedom, damn it!”), embodied his commitment to a transformative agenda.

Milei’s economic strategy, often referred to as “shock therapy,” aimed to balance the national budget through steep spending cuts, reduced subsidies, and austerity measures. His administration has reported early successes, including the first quarterly budget surplus since 2008 and a recovery in international reserves. These achievements have earned praise from organizations like the International Monetary Fund, who commented on the country’s “impressive” progress, though economic hardships persist for many Argentines.

In foreign policy, Milei has prioritized strengthening ties with the United States while distancing Argentina from countries such as China, aligning with his libertarian principles.

Key Changes in Higher Education Policy 

One of the key areas of reform under Milei’s presidency has been higher education. He criticized public universities as “bastions of socialism” where students were “brainwashed,” and his approach reflected this belief: his administration implemented significant cuts to university budgets, arguing that these measures were necessary to address fiscal constraints. 

Milei’s position on education aligns with his broader libertarian outlook, which favors reducing state involvment in sectors like education and public services. This ideological commitment to minimizing state intervention has extended to exploring private partnerships and vocational programs as alternatives to traditional university funding. While his stance on these issues has provoked stron opposition, Milei has maintained his commitment to promoting market-driven reforms as a way to address challenges in higher education. 

Public Education’s Role in Argentina 

Public universities have historically played a central place in Argentine society. The country has long upheld the belief that education is a fundamental right, offering high-quality education free of charge—an uncommon model in Latin America and globally. Institutions like the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) are seen not only as centers of intellectual achievement but also as chances for social mobility, especially for students from low- and middle-income backgrounds. Argentina’s commitment to providing accessible education has attracted students from across Latin America, Spain, and beyond, offering opportunities for those from other regions where such access may be more limited. “Where I’m from, high-quality education is unfortunately a privilege, not a basic right,” said Sofia Hernandez, a medical student from Colombia studying at UBA. As the country continues to face economic challenges, defenders of the public education system argue that the recent budget cuts pose a significant threat to the accessibility and quality of higher education in Argentina. 

The April 2024 Protests 

Tensions regarding Milei’s austerity measures escalated in April 2024, when large-scale demonstrations took place across Argentina. Hundreds of thousands of students, professors, and union members participated in protests in various cities. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA), operating with only 8.9% of its usual state budget, faced significant challenges, including service disruptions such as lack of electricity, air conditioning, and elevator access. Professors were forced to teach in overcrowded classrooms without microphones. According to a teachers' union, approximately one million people participated in the protests nationwide, with around half a million in Buenos Aires. The demonstrations, which included participation from private institutions in solidarity, highlighted the widespread concern over the impact of the government’s budget policies on public universities and the education system in general.

The Veto of the University Funding Bill

In response to widespread protests, Argentina's Congress passed a funding bill in September 2024 to adjust university budgets according to the country's inflation rate. However, President Milei vetoed the bill, arguing that additional spending could jeopardize Argentina’s fiscal stability. Following the veto, lawmakers voted 160 in favor of the funding law, with 84 against and 5 abstentions, but fell six votes short of the two-thirds majority required to override the veto. Alejandro Finocchiaro of the PRO party supported the decision, noting that allowing the funding increase could send a “very bad sign for markets.” As a result, public universities continued to face challenges related to operational and salary funding. Although Milei’s party holds a small minority in Congress, it has formed alliances with conservative lawmakers to block opposition efforts to pass the law. 

Wage Challenges and Faculty Resignations at Universities 

The vetoed funding bill also aimed to address financial difficulties for university faculty, whose real wages have reportedly fallen by 60% this year due to inflation. Professors and non-teaching staff at public universities across Argentina have cited stagnant wages that struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) has experienced notable resignations, with at least 30 faculty members recently departing from its Faculty of Agriculture. Responding to calls for wage increases, President Milei stated, “I am not going to give in,” while university chancellors have expressed concerns that low wages could lead to continued faculty departures, potentially affecting the stability of Argentina’s higher education system. Argentina’s public universities, which enroll 80% of the country’s higher education students, are now faced with the challenge of retaining educators amid financial constraints, raising questions about the long-term impacts on education quality and accessibility.

Debates over University Accountability and Foreign Student Tuition 

Milei’s administration has intensified discussions around financial transparency at public universities, asserting that some institutions resist audits due to possible misuse of funds, referring to them as “dirty.” Although Milei has stated he does not intend to eliminate free public education, he has called for government audits to address potential inefficiencies and corruption. Supporters of this approach argue that audits are necessary to promote accountability within the university system. Critics, however, contend that such statements unfairly portray institutions already under financial strain, potentially creating negative perceptions.

In addition, Milei’s party has revived a proposal to charge tuition for foreign non-residents, who make up about 4% of Argentina’s university enrollments. This proposal has sparked strong opposition from those who believe it would undermine Argentina’s longstanding commitment to inclusive and accessible education, which has historically attracted students from across Latin America and beyond. Opponents of the tuition proposal worry it could alter Argentina’s reputation as a regional leader in accessible higher education.

Student Activism and Growing Resistance 

The unsuccessful attempt to override Milei’s veto in Congress has galvanized student activism across Argentina. Supported by faculty and unions, students have organized open-air classes, staged campus sit-ins, and held protests nationwide to voice their concerns. Many students and their supporters view the debate over university funding as part of a larger ideological struggle over the role of the state in promoting equity and social opportunity. Milei maintains that his government cannot compromise on its economic policies, citing concerns over fiscal stability, while critics argue that these reforms could undermine one of Argentina’s most valued public institutions.

Conclusion: Milei’s First Year – A Polarizing Path Forward

Javier Milei’s first year as Argentina’s president has been marked by bold economic reforms that have gained international praise for stabilizing finances, with early signs like budget surpluses and growing reserves. Yet, these changes have also triggered social costs, particularly within public institutions and the higher education system, long regarded as key drivers of Argentina’s social mobility.

Milei’s approach to university funding, austerity, and accountability has fueled protests, faculty resignations, and heightened student activism, revealing a stark divide between supporters who view his measures as essential for economic revitalization and critics who worry they undermine access to quality public education.

As Milei embarks on his second year, the challenge remains: sustaining economic gains while addressing the concerns of those who fear that Argentina’s social and educational institutions are being pushed to their limits.

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