Amidst discussions about a possible increase in higher education tuition fees, presidential candidate António Filipe reflects on the challenges faced by students over the years, including a 1992 debate with Pedro Passos Coelho.
“We are about to start an academic year under the threat of a PSD/CDS government tuition fee increase. When, in 1992, the PSD government significantly raised fees—from 1,200 escudos (6€) annually—the government said it was not to fund institutions, but to enhance social support and education quality, only affecting those who could afford it. That’s what Passos Coelho told me during a debate on this issue,” Filipe recalled.
António Filipe argues that the PCP knew back then—and reality has shown—that increasing tuition fees would exclude many students from higher education. He emphasized that governments had no real intention of bolstering social support, noting the current struggle with unaffordable housing and the lack of public student accommodation.
The presidential candidate maintains that “strong student opposition” was pivotal in making “governments back down” in the past and encourages the same response to current threats.
“As a new threat looms, student activism will be crucial to achieving democratic and universal access to public education and higher learning, as enshrined in the Constitution,” he asserted in a statement shared Monday, August 25, on the social media platform X. He also highlighted, “Today, beyond tuition and housing costs, we face national exams that have been given more weight by the current government, resulting in a 15% drop in applicants, the lowest since 2016.”
António Filipe believes that “students require a President who will advocate for their rights and stand in solidarity with their struggles.” He declared his commitment, saying, “You can count on me,” assured the communist.
Vamos iniciar um ano lectivo sob a ameaça do Governo PSD/CDS de aumento das propinas. Quando, em 1992, o governo PSD decidiu aumentar brutalmente as propinas – que eram de 1200 escudos anuais (6€) – o governo e os seus apoiantes diziam que o aumento das propinas não seria para… pic.twitter.com/fZILQFTXL2
— Antonio Filipe (@AntonioFilipe) August 25, 2025
