Chile: First National Education Strike Under Kast Tests Budget

Students, teachers, and workers staged the first national education strike since President José Antonio Kast's government submitted the 2027 Budget to Congress, with Confech leading the protest against proposed cuts. The mobilization drew broad union support, including CUT and the Colegio de Profesores, escalating into a test of strength for the administration. Police responded with water cannons and tear gas, signaling potential for further unrest as budget negotiations proceed.