Panama university crisis: Faculty demand vice-rectors' ouster, question interim rector

A crisis at Panama's Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) deepened this week as faculty and students called for the removal of vice-rectors. They argue that the former rector's appointees should automatically leave their posts following her resignation.

The university's General University Council (CGU) recently appointed Pedro González, the vice-rector for Research and Postgraduate Studies, as interim rector. However, this decision has drawn sharp criticism from faculty members who believe it contradicts the university's statutes.

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The University Statute clearly establishes the procedure. Article 53 states that all vice-rectors cease their positions upon the resignation of the rector who appointed them. So, when Professor Etelvina resigns, each of those positions automatically ceases.

"The University Statute clearly establishes the procedure," said Absbel Navarro, a university professor. "Article 53 states that all vice-rectors cease their positions upon the resignation of the rector who appointed them. So, when Professor Etelvina resigns, each of those positions automatically ceases."

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Yesterday the CGU appointed Dr. Pedro González as interim vice-rector, and with that action, it is violating the statute again.

Navarro further questioned the CGU's action, stating, "Yesterday the CGU appointed Dr. Pedro González as interim vice-rector, and with that action, it is violating the statute again." The controversy unfolds at a university with over 22,000 students, facing one of the most complex administrative periods in its recent history.

The situation has also raised concerns among the business community. Mavis Polo Cheva, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Agriculture, and Tourism of Chiriquí, expressed hope for a resolution. "This crisis is worrying, of course, it worries everyone. We are seeing movements that seem positive, so we hope this continues and we can have good results soon," she said. As internal challenges persist, university authorities have indicated that the General Electoral Council must convene the process to select a new rector, a decision crucial for the institution's future direction.

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This crisis is worrying, of course, it worries everyone. We are seeing movements that seem positive, so we hope this continues and we can have good results soon.