“All classes cancelled. Instead, we’ll march.” Flyers have been spread all around the university. All have strong feelings about the new law of education that has been proposed by President Rafael Correa. Even though a foreigner doesn´t have the right to rebel against the government, this is something I don´t want to miss. My plan for tomorrow: I’ll get up early, take a bus to Plaza Grande and watch what’s going to happen.
“This is a significant moment in our history. The first time that all students from public and private universities unite to fight for their rights,” tells a photographer of a local newspaper. The security guards in front of the presidential palace get ready to manage the thousands of students marching into their direction. The plaza fills up within ten minutes. Yet, no need to get aggressive. Whistles, loudspeakers and drums are the way to go. All they want is talk to Correa.
The left-wing President is popular amongst the majority his people. That’s for a reason. Most changes he has made directly benefit the poorer segments of society. To name one of them, he made hug investments in the public health system. Usually, it’s just a bunch of conservatives (including many students from the private university that I study at) that detest his agenda. However, this time, he got the public universities angry as well. What did he do wrong?
Part of the law will give the government control over how many people can study a certain profession. If there are too many lawyers, you’ll have to choose a different career. If, on the other hand, the country is in need of doctors, you’ll be “forced” to study medicines. I guess restricting one’s freedom is something very few people will accept. Not a very intelligent move, mister President.
He must have known somehow. Students yell for another hour. Nothing happens. Their attention turns to the street vendors selling ice cream and bags of crisps. A good day for the local economy and Correa fled out of town the day before.