Virgilio Castillo, a candidate for rector of the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA) in Mérida, Venezuela, has prioritized the defense of university autonomy as a key objective for his potential administration. Castillo asserted that protecting the autonomy of the ULA must be a central focus. His proposal includes a plan to decentralize the ULA, aiming to distribute resources and decision-making power more effectively. The candidate’s statement was made in relation to his candidacy for the rectorship. This initiative seeks to strengthen the ULA's independence and academic freedom. The news was originally published on TalCual, a Venezuelan news outlet. This proposal marks a significant point in the ongoing discussions surrounding the future governance of the Universidad de Los Andes.