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## Chile – Student Protests Over Higher Education Access (2026) ### Overview Chilean police used water cannons to disperse student protesters demonstrating against the government's proposals to limit free higher education (Al Jazeera, April 29). The protests reflect ongoing tensions within Chile over the Kast government's rollback of progressive education policies. ### Key Facts - Police deployed water cannons against student protesters (Al Jazeera, April 29) - Protests target government proposals that would reportedly limit access to free higher education (Al Jazeera, April 29) - Connects to broader Kast government policy reversals (see existing page: Kast Government Chile – Migration & Historical Justice Policy Reversals, 2025–2026) ### Political Context President José Antonio Kast has pursued a right-wing policy agenda since taking office, reversing several Boric-era progressive reforms. The free higher education system—Gratuidad—was a flagship achievement of the Chilean left and remains politically charged. Student movements in Chile have historically been major catalysts for broader political change (2011 student movement preceded the 2019 social uprising). ### Strategic Significance - Chile's political stability matters to copper and lithium investors given its critical minerals dominance (see existing pages on Chile Copper Theft Ring and Antofagasta) - Sustained social unrest could affect Kast government's legislative agenda and coalition stability - The Argentina-Chile political alignment (Milei & Kast) creates regional right-wing bloc dynamics that are being tested by domestic social pressures ### Anticipated Developments - Escalation or de-escalation of student movement based on government response - Legislative fate of higher education reform proposals - Potential broader coalition of labor and social movements joining protests - International attention given Chile's role in global critical minerals supply chains