Several hundred university students took to the streets today to advocate for the end of tuition fees and the strengthening of social assistance, criticising the government for the unfreezing of fees announced for next year.
As Lusa reports: “they came from all over the country and not even the threat of rain deterred them from participating in the demonstration called by the Student Association Movement, which brings together associations from dozens of higher education institutions.
“At 3:15 pm, more than half an hour after the protest began and already under heavy rain, they left Rossio, in Lisbon, heading towards the Assembly of the Republic”, where the proposed State Budget for 2026 (OE2026) was being voted on in its generality.
“Tuition fees must be eliminated, not increased”, “Grants yes, tuition fees no,” and “Increase everything, increase the struggle” were some of the slogans chanted as yet another year rolls by in which the lot of university students becomes that much harder. Affordable accommodation has already become such an issue that many no longer aspire to a university education, while others find themselves forced to give up courses long before they have neared completion.
Source: LUSA
