The reality of politics in Argentina is not limited to what happens on social networks. While it plays a significant role, it is not the entirety of it. Those who believe that social media is the whole reality may face consequences, as seen with Javier Milei this week.
This week saw massive demonstrations in defense of universities and public education across the country, with over 430,000 people taking to the streets of Buenos Aires alone. The demands were not just for adequate funding for public universities but also expressed frustration after months of government aggression.
Javier Milei, known for his strong presence on social media, had made controversial statements about universities being centers of indoctrination by communists. However, his views clashed with the reality of the situation where universities are struggling to operate with only half the necessary budget to counter a 280% inflation rate.
The government failed to address funding issues despite warnings from prominent figures like Ricardo Gelpi about imminent closure of prestigious institutions like the University of Buenos Aires. The streets filled with students, parents, teachers, and citizens demanding quality education in the face of government neglect and inefficiency.
The demonstrations brought together a diverse group of people including supporters of Milei who voiced their concerns about education and government policies. The president’s dismissive comments about protestors were met with criticism from opposition leaders like Paula Oliveto who highlighted the importance of education in society’s progress.
Despite growing discontent with Milei and the government, the demonstrations showed a unified front in demanding better education opportunities for all. The streets became a symbol of resistance and hope for a brighter future as citizens voiced their determination to uphold public education values that have long been a cornerstone of Argentine society.
In conclusion, while social networks play an important role in politics, they are not the only way to view reality in Argentina. Actions taken on the ground can have significant consequences that cannot be ignored or dismissed through digital platforms alone.