What’s happening in Brazil and Argentina
Students are taking to the streets in both countries, but for different reasons: Brazil’s demonstrations centre on the presidential election, while Argentina’s protesters are demanding university funding.
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In a Nutshell
Brazil
- Brazil is choosing its next president. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in a runoff on October 25 because neither won enough votes in the first round.
- Flávio came first in the October 4 vote, raising concerns among his opponents that the far right could return to power.
- On October 7, thousands joined a student-led march in Rio de Janeiro, urging people to vote for Lula and reject another Bolsonaro presidency.
- Students say they are defending democracy and public education. They oppose Bolsonaro’s proposed spending cuts, which he has linked to an economic approach similar to Argentine President Javier Milei’s.
- By October 18, artists and social groups had joined pro-Lula events in several cities. Bolsonaro supporters also held rallies as both campaigns sought support before the final vote.
Argentina
- On October 15, thousands of students, university employees, trade unionists and opposition supporters gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires to demand the implementation of a university-funding law.
- Congress passed the law in 2025 to increase salaries, restore scholarships and support university operations. President Javier Milei vetoed it, but lawmakers overrode his veto.
- The government has continued withholding the funding despite court orders, arguing that the spending threatens its balanced-budget programme.
- Most demonstrators protested peacefully, but clashes involving some protesters and police brought tear gas and water cannons. Security Ministry sources reported at least 25 arrests and eight injured officers.
- The October 15 demonstration was the fifth major protest over university funding since Milei took office in late 2023. University spending fell 41% in inflation-adjusted terms in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2023.
Context
Brazil The protests reflect a political divide that extends beyond this election. Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup. For demonstrators, his candidacy raises concerns about the return of his father’s political movement, as Lula seeks a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term.
Argentina Javier Milei took office in December 2023, promising to cut government spending and balance the budget. Universities became a flashpoint as inflation ate into staff salaries and the money available to keep campuses running. Congress passed a law to increase university funding, then overturned Milei’s veto when he tried to block it. Courts also ordered the government to release the funds, but it has continued to withhold them, arguing that the extra spending threatens its budget plans.