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Students are sprayed by a riot police water cannon during a protest march against the government of President Sebastian Pinera and the new education law, in Santiago.

Santiago – Close to 100,000 Chilean students and teachers demonstrated Thursday in front of the presidential palace in Santiago demanding reform in the country’s public education system.

The conservative government of President Sebastian Pinera has rejected student demands, which include tax reforms to finance education and healthcare and changes in the constitution.

‘They slammed the door on dialogue insofar as they make demands that show they are not in favour of coming to an agreement,’ said Education Minister Joaquin Lavin.

It was one of the largest demonstrations in Chile over the past 20 years. Towards Read more…