La Universidad debe ser un espacio de libertad y verdad, afirma Díaz Ayuso

On the first day of her institutional trip to Ecuador, Díaz Ayuso encouraged the university students present at the ceremony to study, learn from their professors and peers, openly debate without «canceling» anyone, defending what they believe in, but also listening and trying to «understand the other, and even be persuaded if their reasons are better than theirs.» «In this life, one must win by conviction, not by coercion, which is how totalitarians operate through fear and imposition,» she explained.

In her view, the University is meant to «cultivate and defend science at the forefront of the times,» as well as the «fabulous legal mechanisms» of liberal democracy, which include the Rule of Law, legal certainty, separation of powers, freedom, parliaments, and democracy.

The president expressed her gratitude for the distinction, which she received «on behalf of all the people of Madrid with humility and pride,» emphasizing that education requires legal certainty, equality before the law, opportunities, recognition of effort, and being «fair,» in the sense that «no one achieves what they have not earned.» In fact, she believes that «self-esteem is also learned in school, through study, effort, and family.»

PRIDE IN LEADING A THRIVING AND ENTERPRISING REGION

The head of the regional government also expressed her «immense honor and great pride» in leading the government of a region she described as «thriving, open, joyful, and enterprising,» serving Spain and linked with Latin America, particularly highlighting the Ecuadorian citizens who she believes are «the best thing that has happened to Madrid in a long time.»

«Hispanic heritage is our pride and our great legacy to the world, allowing us not to be strangers among ourselves, for me to come to Ecuador and immediately know that I am at home, or for Ecuadorians living in our region to be able to call themselves Madrileños from day one,» she added.

To achieve this, Díaz Ayuso recalled that the Community of Madrid has approved a decree for all Hispanic-American students to pay the same tuition fees as Spanish or European students when enrolling in public universities in Madrid. «In the Community of Madrid, we want to attract the best, regardless of where they come from, we welcome people eager to work, start a family, open a business, or invest,» she emphasized.

In this regard, she highlighted the over 1,500 Ecuadorian students currently studying at universities in Madrid. «They are at home, where they will live the best years of their lives with security in the streets, knowing they are free and that the life ahead of them will be lived as they decide,» she stated.