Villa María: absurd strike at UNVM over the ruling against CFK affected classes
National University of Villa María, Córdoba
porEditorial Team
Argentina
Turnout was 65% and left several classrooms and offices without activity. There was an assembly, and a mobilization is being planned
The Supreme Court ruling that upheld the conviction of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner had an impact on several universities across the country. In Villa María, UNVM was the scene of a 24-hour strike called by Fatun and supported by the Adiuvim and Apuvim unions. The measure left hundreds of students without classes who did not participate in the protest but were still affected.
Strong union support and a paralyzed campus
According to union sources, the average participation rate reached 65%, with greater involvement from the non-teaching staff sector. 80% of non-teaching workers joined the strike, while among teaching staff it was close to 50%, according to union estimates. The consequences were seen in empty classrooms, closed offices, and services such as the cafeteria and university dining hall interrupted.
The measure was promoted by union groups that expressed their rejection of the ruling that politically disqualifies Cristina Kirchner. Adiuvim issued a statement together with the CGT. In the document titled "Wounded Democracy," it accused the Court of acting as a "judicial arm" of political interests. The unions also called for remaining "in a state of alert and mobilization," pointing to an alleged violation of democratic rights.
Comunicado conjunto de gremios universitarios con la CGT.
The unions promote further political actions on campus
Apuvim stated that the ruling "deepens the credibility crisis of the Judiciary" and affects political freedom. The union maintained that "the judicial party has decided to convict, placing a restriction on the popular vote," aligning its discourse with K sectors. Both associations expressed their intention to continue raising awareness of the conflict in institutional spaces.
During the afternoon on Wednesday, an open assembly was held in the campus hall with students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff. There, it was decided to hold a public class and a demonstration next Wednesday, June 18, in defense of Cristina. The use of educational space for partisan purposes has sparked criticism from sectors that prioritize academic quality.
Anuncio del PARO por el fallo correcto de la Corte Suprema
Criticism of the politicization of the university environment
The interruption of classes and services has once again brought to the table the debate about the political use of public universities. Student organizations not aligned with the unions expressed discomfort at being "hostages of a cause unrelated to academics." They point out that the right to protest can't be above the right to education or the normal development of the academic calendar.
