Francisco Martínez and Pablo Ruiz-Tagle, candidates for the University of Chile rectorship, debated the current administration, campus protests and the role of the Fech during a La Tercera program.
The debate took place on May 7 ahead of the May 12 election to choose the successor to Rector Rosa Devés for the 2026-2030 term. Martínez, dean of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, and Ruiz-Tagle, dean of Law, were the only participants after Sergio Lavandero and Alejandra Mizala declined.
Martínez supported continuity in research policies, gender equity and inclusion of indigenous peoples. Ruiz-Tagle praised fewer campus occupations and the gender focus, yet criticized weak public leadership and the blurring of the university’s voice with other state institutions.
The candidates differed on student protests. Martínez distinguished between occupations and encampments and rejected claims of a violent atmosphere. Ruiz-Tagle maintained that the central house is under occupation and argued that academic staff must lead governance.
On President Kast’s first two months, both noted contradictory signals. Martínez described rushed radical proposals without proper study, while Ruiz-Tagle expressed embarrassment at anti-intellectual remarks.
