Ruptly
"Students clashed with police in Santiago on Thursday during a march against government budget cuts to education, organised by the Coordinating Assembly of Students. Footage shows protesters carrying placards and banners reading 'You matter as a student' and 'Organised students against Kast', chanting and marching near the Palacio de la Moneda, before police deployed water cannon to disperse the crowd and detain some participants. The mobilisation mainly gathered university students who denounced a potential reduction in resources in key areas such as free education, school infrastructure, and socio-educational support. Participants defended their right to protest and questioned the executive's decisions, stating they were not surprised. "For us, it was not shocking at all, we had understood for a long time that a right-wing and more far-right government like Kast's government was going to be repressive. [...] It is not convenient for the Chilean right that the proletariat gets educated," said Antonia Saldivia, a student. She also expressed concern about the future of free university education, stating that current decisions could affect future generations. "Although we have several battles won and the gratuity we will probably maintain until the end of our careers, it is very possible that future generations will not enjoy the same rights," added Saldivia. The Chilean government defended the need to adjust public spending on education, arguing that it seeks to 'optimise resources' and improve the system's efficiency. Jose Antonio Kast's administration faces criticism following the leak of budget guidelines that contemplate cuts of up to 15 percent in educational programmes and the possible elimination of student support initiatives. Although the Treasury stated that there are no definitive decisions, opposition sectors and educational organisations warned of the impact that the measures could have on millions of students in Chile."
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