Colombian congressmen announced on Tuesday their decision to effectively withdraw a controversial education reform, in order to put an immediate end to student protests.
House representative Wilson Gomez declared that the government would shortly “give a Christian burial” to the reform.
The congressman assured that as soon as the reform is withdrawn, the students, teachers and government can meet to discuss a new reform project to be installed next year.
Gomez asked the students to end the strike and protests immediately.
The protests started over a month ago, and spread throughout Colombia. Students were of the opinion that the controversial Law 30 would privatize the higher education system.
Colombian students are in talks with students’ associations in Chile to organize a massive, simultaneous protest on November 24, which may involve students from other South American countries.
Education Minister Maria Fernando Campo added that the reform withdrawal would be effective on Wednesday.