In a 24-hour strike, these groups called in the southern city demand a larger and dignified education budget. | Photo: Ades Montevideo

Montevideo, September 30 (RHC)-- High school students in Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, mobilized this Wednesday in rejection of the educational reform of the Government of Luis Lacalle Pou, and demanding the rights of this educational sector.

In a 24-hour strike these groups convened in the southern city, demanded a larger and decent education budget, and also denounced the cuts in the sector promoted by the Executive.  A popular education and quality teaching are basic requirements defended by the students who have not ceased to demand respect for education as a basic right.

According to local media, the country's education budget was reduced by one percentage point of GDP in 2021, the largest cut since the so-called democratic recovery. The education reform to be implemented includes the elimination of diversified high schools, among other elements.

With this measure, the last two years of high school are modified and a common core is created with orientations that students must subsequently choose according to the career they wish to study.    

On August 18, the correspondent of the international channel teleSUR, reported that the students and workers also rejected the budget cut plans of the Uruguayan government, which in the last 18 months cut 5,000,000 dollars from the school feeding programs.

Similarly, public health workers went on strike demanding better salaries and working conditions. Likewise, the Federation of Public Health Officials from its Twitter account indicated that "it is mobilizing for more and better public health. For salary, working conditions and for our rights to be heard. For a budget that takes into account the needs of workers and users," said the group.