Senator Rubén Velázquez has called for a “mea culpa” over the lack of follow-through on the long-standing demand for a half-fare transport subsidy for university students in Paraguay. Speaking to C9N, he announced plans for a public hearing to bring together students and government officials, including the Minister of Economy, to address the issue.
Evelyn Benítez, a representative of the Student Center of the Faculty of Philosophy at the National University of Asunción (UNA), described the daily struggles faced by many students. “Students live far away, some even pursue two degrees, and they make enormous sacrifices just to get to class,” she told C9N. She also highlighted the lack of public transport, noting that in some areas buses stop running as early as 9:00 p.m., leaving students stranded after evening classes.
The half-fare transport benefit, which would reduce costs for university students, has been a recurring demand but has seen little progress. The upcoming hearing aims to break the deadlock and find a solution that balances student needs with fiscal constraints.