Education Minister says school placements resolved within 24 hours
Minister of Education Fernando Alexandre reported that only 54 students were awaiting school placement as of Monday. He assured that the government is processing new requests and resolving placement issues within 24 hours, despite ongoing concerns about teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms in regions like Lisbon and the Algarve.
Update: Teacher shortages and sick leave impact school year start
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre reported that approximately 6,000 teachers have taken medical leave since the start of the school year, leaving 2,000 positions unfilled. While the government attributes remaining student placement issues to late enrolments, opposition parties have criticized the administration's management of the sector.
Fernando Alexandre is the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation in Portugal's current government, which took office in April 2024. An economist by training, he previously served as a Secretary of State and is now responsible for managing the national school system and university funding. He recently sparked debate by suggesting that university tuition fees should be adjusted to account for inflation.
