Mariana Leitão emphasized the importance of transforming Leiria Polytechnic into a university, highlighting its potential to enhance educational offerings, attract and retain faculty, secure increased funding, and support local businesses. Speaking to journalists during a municipal election campaign stop in Leiria, Leitão discussed the institution’s aspirations amid the ongoing review of the Legal Framework for Higher Education Institutions, set to be addressed in parliament later in October.
Leitão supports the establishment of a university in Leiria to foster a cooperative ecosystem involving local government, business representatives, and the private sector, aiming to boost regional investment appeal. Addressing the Legal Framework, she stated that such ambitions should be considered individually.
Currently, the framework primarily involves name changes rather than substantial organizational modifications. However, ensuring institutional structures align with the needs of the populace, businesses, and desired ecosystems is essential, alongside establishing adequate institutional funding.
Leitão stressed that each potential upgrade should be assessed individually, adding that it would be inappropriate to universally mandate polytechnics to transition to universities, given her limited insight into each institution’s specific circumstances. This stance was shared in response to similar demands from other academic institutions across different districts.
During a walkabout, she also addressed local mobility concerns as plans to relocate the bus terminal threaten current business tenants. José Fernando, a baby clothing store owner in the city center, announced his intention to retire following the terminal’s move.
“I’m done with it; we’re going home,” Fernando shared with Leitão as she sought a quieter spot to converse amid the drum noise.
Paulo Ventura, the Liberal candidate in Leiria and an economist, criticized the shortage of public transport options in the area. “We still have 7,900 residents in 59 locations without any public transport services,” he explained, mentioning plans for Leiria’s high-speed rail station and the necessity to reserve corridors for the promised surface metro system.
