Alberto Otárola denies that the departure of the Minister of Education is for criticizing the law that replaces teachers without an exam

This afternoon, the head of the Ministerial Cabinet, Alberto Otarolaarrived at Congress of the republic to support the 2024 Budget project. Given this, he was consulted about the new changes in the portfolios and, mainly, about the departure of the Minister of Education, Magnet Marquez.

Yesterday, September 5, it was learned that the then head was asked to resign after her statements against a bill approved by the Plenary of Congress that would benefit nearly 14,000 interim teachers.

Given this, he was questioned about the reasons for the departure of the then incumbent, but the premier was evasive with the press and left the space.

Different questions have been raised following the departure of the then Minister of Education, but Márquez has not given any interviews nor has he spoken on his social networks to announce his resignation.

A few days ago he described the approval of this project as a “blow to education.” This after learning that teachers who failed an exam to occupy a place in public schools could return without giving any evaluation.

The now former head explained that in 1984 a rule was issued that, due to the lack of teachers in rural and border areas, they allowed those who finished fifth grade of secondary school or who had unfinished studies to be able to teach.

This is how in 2012 a Teacher Reform law was approved that allows them to obtain a degree in two years. So later they could apply for the evaluation and if they passed, they continued working. However, it was at that time that the almost 14 thousand teachers were dismissed for not obtaining the minimum grade.

The former minister also stated that they allude to the fact that “experience” should allow them to continue working, but asks them to “submit to the evaluation.” “If they have the experience and have the knowledge, then the evaluation will be simple.”

“The idea is that they undergo the evaluation, no one takes away their right or the opportunity to enter to work.” [...] We have to preserve quality and guarantee the right to quality education for our students,” he added.

Márquez maintained that this project cannot address the gap that exists in education and harms schoolchildren with fewer resources, who do not have the same opportunity. In turn, he mentioned that the appointments were given with conditions, but after nine years they would not be respected.

On the other hand, he did not want to specify if this project “has its own name,” but said that “it does a lot of damage” and “hits” education, which is why he hoped that the congressmen would go back on their decision.

However, this would not occur after her departure and being replaced by Miriam Ponce Vértiz, who becomes the fourth minister in the government sector of Dina Boluarte. In addition, this change resulted in six more in the portfolios, of which two only migrated from ministries.