Buenos Aires:Clashes broke out between protesters and police during Argentina's fifth Federal University March on Thursday, as thousands gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires. The demonstrators demanded that President Javier Milei's government implement the University Funding Law.

According to Anadolu Agency, the protest resulted in at least 10 injuries and 31 arrests, including two minors. The police responded with tear gas and water cannons, leading to injuries among eight security personnel.

The demonstration was organized by university unions, the National Interuniversity Council (CIN), and the Argentine University Federation (FUA). Their demands included enforcing legislation that guarantees funding for public universities, addressing issues such as staff salaries and student scholarships.

Heavy rain and surrounding clashes caused the central rally to end earlier than planned, around 440 pm local time. Organizers criticized the police response and reiterated their call for the government to comply with the funding law.

Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva defended the police actions on the social media platform X, emphasizing that while the right to demonstrate is respected, it does not justify violence. She stated that those responsible for attacking security personnel or damaging public property would be prosecuted.

The protest occurred in the context of an ongoing dispute between Milei's government and public universities over funding issues. University representatives have highlighted how budget constraints are affecting staff purchasing power and student support. As the government pushes for austerity measures to cut public spending, university staff and students have repeatedly demonstrated, demanding more resources for public higher education. Authorities estimated the damage to public infrastructure around Congress at 90 million Argentine pesos ($59,376).