The Rector of the UNR focused on defending the National Public University System in one of the most difficult moments in its history.

The Rector of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario Franco Bartolacci, Rector of the National University of Río Negro (UNR), was elected president of the National Interuniversity Council (CIN) at the 95th Plenary Meeting of Rectors from across the country, held this Friday in La Pampa. During this first year of his term, he will be joined by Anselmo Torres, Rector of the National University of Río Negro (UNRN), as vice president. The defense of public education and the budget crisis dominated the agenda.

“For someone who is the son and grandson of a family that arrived in this country with absolutely nothing, for someone who has almost everything thanks to the Argentine Public University, after many years of involvement, assuming this responsibility is an honor. Know that I will do so with great honesty, modestly trying to rise to the occasion,” commented an emotional Rector Bartolacci, who also praised outgoing President Oscar Alpa for “his tireless work and commitment.” 

The National Interuniversity Council (CIN) is the highest body that brings together the country's public higher education institutions. On Thursday, March 26, and Friday, March 27, meetings of institutional importance were held in the halls of the Mercure Hotel in La Pampa to elect the new authorities of the body, approve declarations, present financial statements, statistical reports, international cooperation agreements, and the CIN's 2026 budget. 

The Plenary unanimously elected Franco Bartolacci, Rector of the National University of Rosario (UNR), as its new president. During the last term, he served as vice president of the National Interuniversity Council (CIN). He will be joined in the vice presidency by Anselmo Torres, Rector of the National University of Río Negro (UNRN).

Bartolacci emphasized that thanks to “intelligence, unity, and care,” the National University System was able to continue functioning during one of the most difficult periods in its history. “We have serious problems in every area, but today we face a truly distressing one regarding salaries, which affects higher education workers, who not only have to endure meager wages but also tolerate systematic mistreatment. But we can proudly affirm that although it seems like everything can be overcome, the only thing that couldn't be overcome was the National University System. That didn't happen by chance, but due to many things, especially three: the intelligence shown by the country's university and scientific community in navigating this delicate time, the unity we were able to build to ensure that whatever we do, we do it together, and the solidarity of Argentine society, which offered its support whenever we needed it. Without all of that, we could hardly be where we are. This is the key to facing the challenges before us.”  

He also called for demands, reforms, and safeguards. “We must do everything simultaneously and with equal force. The present and future of Argentina's public universities hinge on these three areas of action. We must firmly and responsibly demand the salary increases that the university community deserves, as well as the budget necessary to function properly. At the same time, we must reform because, for me, it is the best way to defend the public system: we must transform the university, turn it around, and connect it with the world we live in, where fulfilling its role requires a shift away from the status quo. Finally, we have the task of safeguarding the recognition that society has for our institution, of protecting the support that sustained us when we needed it and that will allow us to reach the next stage if we are able to nurture it.”  

The new President of the CIN stressed that the challenge is to keep the public university and national science standing until the next cycle. “We cannot afford to fail. It is our duty to ensure the public university remains standing and alive. It is an enormous responsibility, similar to those borne by other generations. The young people of 1918 did not fail when they broke the last chain binding them to that monarchical and monastic university, envisioning a university committed to the problems of their time. Those who dared to believe that the Argentine Public University should be a space where the children of workers could be educated with equal rights and who guaranteed free tuition did not fail. Those who stood firm during the darkest and most tragic years of history did not fail. Those who, with the return of democracy, worked to restore that reformist spirit to the system and strengthen it so that more could benefit did not fail. And we cannot afford to fail if the challenge before us is to ensure that the Public University and the National Scientific System continue to function so that future generations can recount that there were those who came before us who did their part to ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal access to education.” privilege".   

Bartolacci's election represents strong support for his leadership at the UNR, characterized by academic innovation, institutional modernization, and a strong territorial and social presence. Under his leadership, the UNR has established itself as a key player in the national public debate. Now, at the helm of the CIN, Bartolacci will bring this approach of collaboration and active management to the representation of the entire public university system at a time when defending science and higher education requires solid consensus and strong leadership.

The agenda focused on the complex budgetary situation of universities, while also addressing the importance of institutional memory. University presidents unveiled a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the coup d'état, reaffirming the university system's commitment to human rights.

The Rector of UNLPam and outgoing president of CIN, Oscar Alpa, concluded his term by thanking his colleagues for their support during a period of intense institutional activity. "During this time, we have reaffirmed that the unity of the university system is our greatest strength in defending the right to public and quality education," he emphasized while reviewing his administration.

The classic “family photo” on the steps of UNLPam closed a meeting that not only rearranged the political pieces of the academic sphere, but also protected the unity of the public university in the face of future challenges.

Journalists: Micaela Pereyra and Gonzalo García / Photography: courtesy of CIN Press.