Presidential Promulgation of Student Accommodation Law
The President of the Republic has officially promulgated the new decree regarding the legal framework for accommodation supplements for students attending higher education away from home. This decision comes after acknowledging the significant parliamentary consensus on the need to reassess the previous version of the law. The announcement was made on the official page of the Presidency.
Previous Concerns and Veto
Back in August, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa returned the initial draft of this law to parliament without promulgation. He expressed concerns that the proposed law contradicted an existing regime and could lead to “undesirable social costs” for many students. While he recognized the relevance and social justice of the diploma, he noted the conflict with another regime that had already been approved by the government and was set to take effect for the academic year 2024/2025.
Parliamentary Revisions and Approval
After the veto, the Assembly of the Republic revisited the diploma. On December 20, parliament voted on a series of amendments proposed by the Socialist Party (PS) and the Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda). The revised law was approved despite opposition from the CDS-PP, Iniciativa Liberal, and PSD, with Chega opting to abstain from the vote.
Challenges in Student Accommodation
The lack of affordable accommodation for higher education students is a pressing issue for many families, preventing numerous students from continuing their studies. In response, the government has launched a national housing plan aimed at increasing the availability of reasonably priced options. However, the number of beds available remains significantly lower than the demand, and this year has seen a further rise in the average cost of rooms.
Support for Students Away from Home
In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the financial assistance provided to students studying away from home who struggle to afford accommodation. This support is crucial as many students face challenges in balancing their educational aspirations with the financial burden of housing costs.
Conclusion
As the government continues to address these accommodation challenges, the promulgation of the new decree represents a step towards providing better support for students in higher education. The ongoing discussions and legislative efforts indicate a commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible to all, regardless of their financial circumstances.
