From Axel Kicillof to Pablo Avelluto and Mayra Mendoza: Politicians Present at the University March

Thousands gathered in Plaza de Mayo for a significant university march, a powerful display of public support for higher education. Political figures from across the spectrum, including Governor Axel Kicillof and Senator Eduardo 'Wado' De Pedro, marched alongside students and educators, underscoring the broad consensus on the critical importance of public universities.

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The people are in the street defending public, free, and quality university education. The budget cut already reaches 41% and it is a drama that teachers and non-teachers in universities live every day.

Protesters voiced strong opposition to the current government's budget cuts, which they claim have slashed university funding by 41%. This drastic reduction is seen as a direct threat to the quality of education and the daily operations of universities, impacting both academic staff and students. The sentiment on the ground was one of deep concern and a resolute demand for the restoration of adequate financial support.

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It is impossible to think of a country without technical education, without financing universities. If we want to develop Vaca Muerta, as the President says, we will need engineers, so there you see a huge contradiction.

Speakers at the rally emphasized that public universities are not merely institutions of learning but vital engines for social mobility, research, and national development. Senator De Pedro articulated this sentiment powerfully, stating, "It is impossible to think of a country without technical education, without financing universities. If we want to develop Vaca Muerta, as the President says, we will need engineers, so there you see a huge contradiction." This highlights the perceived disconnect between the government's development goals and its policies on education funding.

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The university is social ascent, knowledge, research, development, and the possibility for millions of Argentines to forge a better future for their families, but also for Argentina.

Even figures from opposing political factions, such as former presidential candidate Sergio Massa and Margarita Stolbizer, were present, demonstrating the issue's cross-party appeal. The march served as a potent reminder that investment in education is seen by many Argentinians as fundamental to forging a better future and ensuring balanced, federal growth for the nation. The participation of such a diverse group of politicians signals the deep-seated value Argentinians place on accessible, quality higher education.

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When we say that Cristina Kirchner's freedom is in itself a government program, we refer, for example, to the underfunding of universities, against which we are marching today.