Lisbon's City Council Condemns Government's Abandonment of University Residence Project

Lisbon's City Council Responds to Government Decision

The Lisbon City Council has expressed strong disapproval of the government's recent decision to abandon the construction project for a university residence at the former Ministry of Education site on Avenida 5 de Outubro. The council emphasizes that this project is essential to address the significant housing shortage for higher education students in Lisbon.

Council's Proposal and Vote

During a private meeting, council members from the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) proposed a motion supporting the construction of the residence. The council approved this motion despite opposition from the PSD/CDS-PP leadership, which rules without an absolute majority. The motion was backed by other parties including PS, Cidadãos Por Lisboa, Livre, and BE.

Urgency of the Project

The council unanimously reiterated the importance of this project, highlighting the need for continued public investment to expand student housing capacity in Lisbon. They noted that the current number of available beds is insufficient to meet demand.

Delayed Implementation

The PCP pointed out that the former Ministry of Education building had been included in the National Student Housing Plan (PNAES), but progress on the conversion to a student residence has been stalled for years. Initially, the project aimed to provide 603 beds, later reduced to 450. The project received architectural approval in August 2023, pending the submission of specialized plans.

Government's Withdrawal

In September, Education Minister Fernando Alexandre stated he was advised by Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon, to abandon the project. On October 9, the city council passed a motion urging the government to expedite the necessary procedures to realize the project. However, on October 25, the minister confirmed that the plans would not proceed, reallocating funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to other projects.

Minister's Remarks

"We cannot construct a residence where we desire," stated Minister Alexandre, expressing dissatisfaction with the project’s location during a parliamentary debate. He also remarked that it seemed to have been a poor choice.

Clarification from City Council

On October 30, Filipa Roseta, the municipal works councilor, clarified that while the council had approved the project, it was up to the government to find alternative funding sources outside the PRR to move forward.