Thousands of students, teachers, and social activists took to the streets of Santiago, Chile, on June 3, 2026, in one of the largest demonstrations in recent months. The march, organized by the Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH) and supported by secondary student groups (ACES), teachers’ unions, and other organizations, protested President José Antonio Kast’s proposed education budget cuts and broader austerity measures.Austerity Under the New GovernmentPresident Kast, who took office in March 2026 as a right-wing leader, has pushed an ambitious plan to cut roughly $6 billion in public spending over 18 months to address fiscal challenges. This includes nearly 3% budget reductions across ministries, directly impacting education programs like school meals and public schooling resources. Critics argue these moves undermine access to quality education and exacerbate inequality in a country still recovering from past social unrest.
The protest also targeted the government’s “mega-reform” bill (National Reconstruction), recently approved by the Chamber of Deputies and now under Senate review. Demonstrators view it as prioritizing spending cuts over social needs.What Happened on the StreetsThe march started peacefully from areas like Plaza Baquedano, aiming toward key government sites such as La Moneda presidential palace. Organizers called it a national strike day under slogans like “For an education at the service of the country.”
Tensions escalated as some groups deviated from authorized routes. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and detentions to disperse crowds. Protesters reportedly threw rocks, objects, and in some cases Molotov cocktails. Reports noted blocked streets, closed metro stations, multiple arrests, and injuries on both sides.
Union leaders accused the government of provoking clashes to justify repression.
One student quoted:
“They want to silence us, but we are not going to stop. They’re taking away our resources and rights, and we have to fight back.”Broader ContextChile has a history of large-scale student-led protests, notably the 2019 Social Outburst over inequality and living costs. This latest wave reflects ongoing tensions under Kast’s administration, with earlier demonstrations against fuel price hikes, environmental policies, and his inauguration.
As of now, police and government officials have offered limited public comment on the June 3 clashes, but the events highlight deepening divides over economic priorities in Chile.
These protests signal continued activism in Chilean civil society. The situation remains fluid.
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