The pointed ministerial statement that government lacks any authority over private universities is notable for its broad and unequivocal nature. Although Latin American private universities often enjoy ample autonomy from government, it is not common for government leaders to go this far. The minister's observation that reconsideration of cost hikes would be desirable appears as a matter of political alignment so as to gain some sympathy from protesting students and presumably their families. His additional observation about the need for high-quality education, however, could be construed as an oblique recognition that the country's leading private institutions need adequate finance for their important roles.

Appeals to government in the face of fee hikes are common internationally. In some cases government intervention appears and indeed government or a related public agency may assert authority to set fee limits, as in India.