Argentine universities present budget grievance to the Pope

Franco Bartolacci, president of the National Interuniversity Council (CIN) and rector of the National University of Rosario, delivered a formal letter to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The document expresses severe criticism of President Javier Milei’s administration regarding the funding of public universities.

The CIN reports that investment in higher education has dropped from a historical average of 0.74% of GDP between 2016 and 2023 to just 0.47% in 2026, representing a relative cut of approximately 36.5%. This reduction impacts over 70 institutions and nearly three million people, affecting scientific research, daily operations, and student support.

The letter alleges that the Executive Branch is ignoring both the University Financing Law (No. 27.795) passed by Congress and judicial rulings ordering its implementation. Academic authorities warned that this disregard for legislative and judicial decisions undermines the rule of law and the social contract. The meeting took place ahead of the Pope's scheduled visit to Argentina in November.