Bolivian universities demand budget increase, threaten national protests

Bolivian public universities have declared a state of emergency, united in their demand for increased government funding. Rectors, faculty, and student representatives are collectively pushing for a budget that ensures operational stability, strengthens research, and supports the nation's scientific and technological advancement.

The system-wide declaration came during the National Extraordinary Conference of Universities in Cochabamba. Leaders have given the government until September 19 to present sustainable solutions to their budgetary demands. If no satisfactory response is received by this date, a national mobilization is planned to commence on September 20 in La Paz.

Reinerio Vargas, rector of the Autonomous Gabriel René Moreno University (Uagrm), stressed the critical link between investment in education and national progress. He highlighted the unified stance of the public universities, asserting that education, science, technology, and research are fundamental pillars for overcoming the current crisis and building a better future for Bolivia.

The universities are seeking the integration of extraordinary resources, which the government has provided in recent years, into their regular budget. They also demand compensation for resources lost over time. The executive secretary of the Bolivian University Executive Committee (CEUB), Rogelio Espinoza, reported that the Minister of the Presidency committed to arranging a meeting with a technical team to analyze the universities' economic situation. However, the participants insisted on a formal institutional commitment before proceeding.