The Ministry of Education (MEC) informed this Tuesday (29), in an official note, that it is evaluating alternatives and that it will “seek solutions” to deal with the blockade of funds from the portfolio, which also affect universities and federal institutes. 
“The Ministry of Education (MEC) informs that it received notification from the Ministry of Economy regarding the budgetary blockades carried out. It is important to highlight that MEC maintains open communication with everyone and maintains negotiations with the Ministry of Economy and the Civil House to evaluate alternatives and seek solutions to face the situation”, informed the agency.
Yesterday (28), entities such as the National Association of Directors of Federal Education Institutions (Andifes) and the National Union of Students (UNE), criticized the budget blocks. In all, according to the president of Andifes, Ricardo Marcelo Fonseca, dean of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), based on data collected at the institutions themselves, the total blockage at the MEC was R$ 1.68 billion, of which R$ 344 million in federal universities.
“After the budget blockade of R$ 438 million occurred in the middle of the year, this new withdrawal of resources, in the amount of R$ 344 million, practically makes the finances of all institutions unfeasible”, warned Andifes, in an official note.
Also according to the entity, the cuts compromise the payment of more basic services, such as water, electricity, building maintenance and student assistance grants, which guarantee the permanence of vulnerable young people in universities.
“It is a huge detriment to the nation that universities, federal institutes and education, essential to our country’s future, are once again treated as the last priority,” he added.
Although it confirms the cut, the MEC did not inform, in the note, the details of the blockages.
Earlier, the secretary of the National Treasury, Paulo Valle, informed that the blockade of R$ 5.7 billion in the Union’s General Budget, carried out last week by the federal government, will be reassessed next month.
