Protesters Clash With Police in Chile’s Capital Over President’s Education Cuts

CHILE -Thousands of students, teachers and social activists clashed with police in the Chilean capital Wednesday during a massive march against President José Antonio Kast’s education cuts and austerity measures.

Kast, who took office march 11, has pledged to cut roughly $6 billion in public spending over 18 months in an effort to improve the country’s fiscal accounts.

As part of this plan, his government is forcing a nearly 3% budget cut across all ministries.

Although the march began peacefully, tensions escalated as clashes broke out between protesters and police.

Officers used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, while some demonstrators threw rocks and other objects. Several streets were blocked and multiple subway stations were closed.