Portugal's Science and Education Minister Dismisses Presidential Concerns, Promises Investment Boost

Fernando Alexandre, the Minister of Education, has dismissed the notion that the President of the Republic issued "warnings" to the government regarding the dissolution of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Speaking on CNN, Alexandre assured that the government plans to increase investment in science next year and also promised that the shortage of pre-school places would be resolved by the end of the legislative term.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President, expressed reservations about the FCT's dissolution, suggesting that a mere extinction might not be the best solution. However, Alexandre sees no "warnings" in the President's comments, emphasizing that the restructuring aims to bring science closer to innovation. He highlighted that the FCT itself proposed the restructuring plan to the government, ensuring its involvement in the transition to the new Agency for Science and Innovation.

Alexandre also addressed concerns about the reduction in leadership positions within the education sector, stating that over 500 teachers among the 2,000 employees could return to schools where they are needed. He reassured that projects dependent on FCT funding would not suffer, with increased investments planned for 2025 and 2026.

Regarding the teacher shortage and the lack of pre-school spots, Alexandre committed to providing accurate data by the next academic year and resolving the pre-school vacancy issue within the legislative term. He also defended recent changes to the Citizenship curriculum, arguing they were based on scientific evidence and necessary to address structural issues.