Thousands of students filled downtown Santiago on Wednesday in a major demonstration organised by the Chilean Student Confederation, protesting austerity policies under President Jose Antonio Kast.
What began as a mass rally escalated into violent clashes with security forces, leaving at least 25 people injured, including 12 police officers.
According to local reports, confrontations intensified as protesters hurled stones and used sticks, causing damage to public property while police moved in to disperse crowds.
The unrest forced temporary closures of several metro stations in central Santiago and triggered significant traffic disruptions across the capital.
The protests target Kast’s sweeping fiscal consolidation plan, which aims to cut roughly $6 billion in public spending over 18 months, including across-the-board reductions of about 3 percent in government ministries.
Student leaders, joined by teachers’ associations and labour unions, argue that education has been disproportionately affected, warning that reduced funding could weaken schools, universities, and public services.
Organisers say further mass mobilisations could follow if their demands remain unmet.
