The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) expressed its concern about the reduction in the budget it will receive in 2025, despite President Claudia Sheinbaum's assurance of an increase in line with inflation in Mexico. In a statement, the institution noted that it was aware of the cut to the federal subsidy presented in the draft of the Federal Expenditure Budget (PEF) for the coming year. UNAM emphasized that this cut contradicts what Sheinbaum had asserted, who had guaranteed an increase similar to inflation for autonomous educational institutions.
According to the project that will be analyzed by the Chamber of Deputies, UNAM would receive 49.108 billion pesos for 2025, compared to the 54.268 billion pesos approved for 2024, representing a decrease of 9.5% in real terms. The university highlighted the importance of having sufficient resources to provide quality public higher education, serve its 373,000 students, maintain and improve infrastructure, update academic programs, as well as promote research and culture.
UNAM emphasized that the budget reduction would directly affect around 110,000 students from households with high economic vulnerability, who receive university scholarships. The institution hopes that the president's promise to not decrease the budget for autonomous universities prevails, and it appeals to the sensitivity of the deputies to make adjustments before approval.
The university stated that for at least a decade it has implemented austerity programs and efficient use of resources, agreeing with Sheinbaum on the importance of being efficient in spending and maintaining transparency and accountability. Sheinbaum's government presented its first annual budget on November 15, which anticipates a total net expenditure of 9.22 trillion pesos, below the 9.45 trillion pesos of 2024. This budget implies a reduction in public spending of 1.9% and a decrease in the deficit to 3.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), after reaching nearly 6% this year.
