Minister of Education denies cuts and says basic education is a priority

The Minister of Education, Abraham Weintraub, denied the existence of cuts in university resources. He also said that the focus of the Bolsonaro government is on day care centers and basic education. During the call, Weintraub clashed with opposition parliamentarians.

Weintraub went to the Chamber to explain budget constraints at universities. The session coincided with protests, which took place in all states and in the Federal District, against the reduction of funds in education.

He explained that the ministry is complying with budget determinations by setting aside funds. He also stated that the portfolio's budget can be reinforced by possible amounts repatriated from deviations at Petrobras.

“We are complying with the law. The Minister of Economy, Paulo Guedes, who has been here several times, has already explained that we are obliged by the Fiscal Responsibility Law contingency whenever the revenue does not correspond to what was budgeted, in the previous year, by the National Congress”, declared the minister.

Author of the call request, deputy Orlando Silva (PCdoB-SP) said that the minister focused on other aspects of the portfolio and did not explain the measure. “He needs to substantiate, justify the cuts made”, he criticized.

Block

On April 30, Weintraub announced that the University of Brasília (UnB), the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) and the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) would have their transfers blocked at 30% for promoting “shamble”.

On the same day, the blockade was extended to all federal universities and institutes. Colégio Pedro II, financed by the Union, was also affected. The opposition reacted with a movement to obstruct the plenary vote.

Government data account for blocking R$ 1.7 billion from the budget of all universities. This represents 24.84% of discretionary spending and 3.43% of the total federal budget. With information from the Chamber of Deputies.