Bolivian university rector urges government to face energy crisis with scientific aid
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The rector of Bolivia's UAGRM university called the ongoing gasoline and diesel shortage unsustainable.
- He urged the government to be transparent and collaborate with universities to find solutions.
- Vargas emphasized that universities possess skilled professionals and scientists who can contribute technical and scientific expertise to national problems.
The rector of Bolivia's Autonomous University Gabriel Renรฉ Moreno (UAGRM), Reinerio Vargas, has declared the persistent gasoline and diesel shortage, marked by long queues at service stations, as an unsustainable situation.
Vargas directly addressed the government, calling for transparency and a unified effort to overcome the energy crisis. "The situation with gasoline and diesel is unsustainable in Bolivia," he stated, urging the president to be candid with the nation and actively seek resolutions.
Highlighting the potential of academic institutions, Vargas pointed out that universities house capable professionals, technicians, and scientists. He stressed their readiness to offer knowledge and experience to address national challenges. "Universities are not your enemies; they are your allies," he emphasized, advocating for the government to engage top national specialists beyond political affiliations.
The rector also criticized the tendency to confine solutions to national issues within the political sphere, underscoring the necessity of integrating technical and scientific perspectives. He concluded with a call for national unity to confront the energy crisis, stating, "Let's unite; it's time to pull Bolivia out of this energy crisis."
Originally published by El Deber in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.