Argentina’s congress overturns Milei’s veto on university and health funding
Argentina’s lower house delivered a major setback to President Javier Milei, voting to overturn his veto on two laws that would increase funding for public universities and pediatric health care. The battle now moves to the Senate, where Milei lacks a majority.
The Chamber of Deputies voted overwhelmingly—174 in favour, 67 against, and two abstentions—to reject Milei’s veto of legislation passed in August. The laws would adjust university budgets in line with inflation, improve salaries for faculty and staff, and direct emergency funds to children’s hospitals, particularly the Garrahan, the country’s largest pediatric centre. For the laws to take effect, the Senate must also secure a two-thirds majority against the president’s objections.
The vote came after thousands of students, professors, health workers, and unions rallied outside Congress in Buenos Aires. Demonstrators accused Milei of undermining education and public health under his strict “zero deficit” fiscal agenda, symbolised by the chainsaw he brandishes to signal budget cuts. Similar mobilisations have swept across Argentina’s 57 public universities, which serve nearly two million students.
Milei has defended his veto as necessary to restore fiscal order, promising in his proposed 2026 budget to raise spending on education and health above inflation. Yet critics say the plan falls far short. University leaders estimate the sector needs 7.3 trillion pesos (around $4.9 billion) to function properly, far more than the 4.8 trillion ($3.2 billion) allocated. With public discontent mounting and his party recently defeated in Buenos Aires provincial elections, Milei faces growing resistance in Congress and the streets alike.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
