Government "very concerned" about deadlock in the election of the rector of Nova

The Minister of Education expressed significant concern regarding the ongoing deadlock in the rector election at Nova University Lisbon, which has persisted for nearly a year. Fernando Alexandre highlighted the institutional fragility affecting the university's governance, as the current rector operates under limited decision-making powers. The election process, initiated in September 2025, has faced numerous challenges, including annulments and disputes, preventing the establishment of new leadership. The minister noted that while a temporary situation might not have severe consequences, the prolonged uncertainty poses risks to the institution's functioning. This situation coincides with a review of the legal framework governing higher education institutions, raising discussions about academic leadership elections and governance structures.