Foundation head Marcelo issues warning about potential veto of the Science and Technology organization's dissolution
President of Portugal Expresses Doubts Over FCT Extinction
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, has indicated that he may veto a bill proposing the extinction of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) if he has doubts about any point in the process.
The President made these remarks after the announcement of the reform in the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI) on Thursday. He spoke to journalists in Horta, on the island of Faial, Azores.
The MECI reform, as approved by the Council of Ministers, includes the extinction of the FCT and its integration into new agencies. However, President Rebelo de Sousa expressed concerns about the "pure extinction" of the FCT due to its age and the potential risk of creating a bottleneck. He stated that extinction by itself might not be a good idea.
This stance reflects Marcelo’s cautious approach to significant reforms affecting science funding and infrastructure in Portugal. He has not outright rejected the reform but has warned that any lack of clarity or problems in the bill could lead to a presidential veto. This signals his intent to ensure thorough scrutiny and dialogue on such an impactful change.
The Academic Association of the University of Lisbon (AAUL) has criticized the extinction of the FCT, expressing concern about the continuity and stability of ongoing projects. If the President has doubts about the FCT bill, he will ask the Government to rethink it. The President may veto the FCT bill if the executive insists on its extinction.
The National Education Federation (FNE) has also requested an urgent meeting with the Government to ask for clarification on the measures regarding the FCT. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who previously served as a juror for the FCT, emphasized that if there is even one question or uncertainty, he will request the government to clarify before approving it.
The government, meanwhile, promises reinforcement of science investment but does not see the President's position as a warning, rather as part of ongoing debate. The President's visit was to Okeanos - Institute for Research in Marine Sciences.
In summary, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's position is one of conditional opposition: he is willing to veto the FCT extinction legislation if it raises constitutional or substantive doubts, urging a careful reconsideration before any final decision is made.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has expressed concerns over the "pure extinction" of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), suggesting that he might veto the bill proposing its dissolution if he encounters any doubts or issues. This stance indicates his preference for a thorough analysis of policy-and-legislation related to science funding and infrastructure in Portugal.
The Academic Association of the University of Lisbon (AAUL) and the National Education Federation (FNE) have criticized the FCT's proposed extinction, indicating their concern about the continuity of ongoing projects and urging increased dialogue on this general-news matter.
