Minister of Education wants the end of the salary award (and escapes the question about defrosting the bribes)

Fernando Alexandre considers that the salary award funds should be reinvested in the education system and kicks the possible defrosting tuitions for the discussion of the state budget.

The future of the salary prize – the measure also known as the return of the tuition fees – continuous uncertainwith the Government to have not yet made a definitive decision on the possible revocation of the Socialist Return Program.

However, during a hearing in the Education Commission, the Minister of Education has already spoken out to favor of the end of support. Fernando Alexandre admitted that he prefers that the value of tuition fees be “reinvested in our education system and, one part, in social action”, rather than indiscriminately distributed among those who have already benefited from a higher education course.

The proposal, which can cost up to 500 million eurosit is seen with reservations by the minister, who argues that resources should be directed to “ensure conditions to those who have more difficulties” in access to higher education due to economic reasons.

Regarding the defrosting of the tuition fees, which has generated pressure from almost all parties, the minister avoided giving a clear answerindicating that the issue will be addressed in the next budget of the state.

Changing the value of the fees, according to Alexandre, must be done in accordance with the conditions of access to social action, and a study commissioned to the new University of Lisbon, which evaluates the social action in higher education, should be completed next month.

“We are doing a study, we will not make a decision before. And to defrost is simply to update again. We don’t talk about increasedbut to defrost, ”said the minister, quoted by.

In addition, Alexandre stressed that, although not the “center of all financing”, the bribes offer “freedom” to institutions higher education to invest in its resources and infrastructure and attract researchers.

With the government also evaluating the best options, the future of the bribes in higher education and the distribution of resources continue to be central themes in the political and educational debate.