Ombudsman reports 100 complaints over school enrolments
The Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça) has received approximately 100 complaints regarding school enrolments, with most cases involving students who have not yet been placed. At the start of the week, over 1,300 students across the country remained without a school placement.
Update: Education Ministry reports over 100 new placement requests
Minister of Education Fernando Alexandre reported this Friday that over 100 new cases of students needing placement have emerged in a single day. The minister assured that all students are being placed and that the government is working to resolve ongoing teacher shortages.
The Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça) is an independent public institution that investigates complaints from citizens about the actions or omissions of public bodies. It can review cases, issue non-binding recommendations and publish reports, so tenants or landlords who face delays or irregularities with state housing supports can take their complaints there.
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.
