The Minister of Education, Fernando Alexandre, announced a major reform within the ministry on Thursday, which includes the dissolution of several entities, such as the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), to be integrated into new agencies.
In a statement, the FNE, having learned of the measures through the media, expressed “surprise at the timing of the announcement, given the current challenges in the education sector, from a shortage of teachers to preparations for the next academic year, highlighting the need for clarification and dialogue regarding the objectives and impacts of this decision.”
The union association acknowledged the importance of “potential administrative reorganization processes aiming to improve the effectiveness and quality of public services,” but emphasized the necessity of obtaining concrete clarifications on the actual impact of each measure before taking a definitive stance.
Fernando Alexandre justified the restructuring, approved by the Council of Ministers, citing the “anachronistic structure” of his ministry, which he described as having fragmented organizations, disintegrated information systems, and uncoordinated governance.
He noted that the Ministry of Education and Cultural Innovation (MECI) would be streamlined to include only seven entities (currently 18), with the dissolved entities being integrated into new organizations. In addition to the FCT, the reform affects the National Innovation Agency (ANI), the Directorate-General for Higher Education, and the Erasmus+ Agency.
The FNE “considers it a priority to present, as soon as possible, the reasons and objectives of these decisions, as well as the implementation plan,” to “assess the consequences for the educational system, teachers, researchers, and other professionals involved.”
Furthermore, the association argues that “any process involving the extinction or restructuring of education and science organizations should be handled with dialogue and transparency, involving union organizations to ensure worker protection and the continuity of essential functions within the system.”
The union led by Pedro Barreiros also emphasized the importance of the MECI clarifying how programs, competitions, and support currently dependent on the FCT and other entities slated for dissolution will be maintained, to prevent disruptions that could compromise schools, projects, and careers.”
