Chile students resume protests pushing reforms

Fri, Sep 23, 2011

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Tens of thousands of demonstrators have marched in Chile's capital, resuming street protests to demand that the government increase spending on public education and improve its quality.

Small groups of activists skirmished with police at the end of Thursday's 30-block march, and some people have been arrested.

The demonstration comes after negotiations failed to get the government to accept the demands of student groups.

Months of demonstrations and strikes by university and high school student groups have paralyzed classes at many schools.

The dispute has eroded the popularity of Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. But a government spokesman says the administration will stand firm despite the resumption of protests.