The Rector of the Algarve's University is not putting his name forward for consideration for a second term of office this autumn.
In a statement released this week, António Branco cited "personal reasons" for his decision, but hinted that his criticism of some aspects of externally imposed policy has not gone down too well.
António Branco says his decision was made after analysing "internal, external and personal factors" and that he wanted to announce his decision sooner rather than later "because I think I should give time to all those who have been waiting for my decision so they can find the best leadership solution for the next term."
Regarding these mysterious ‘internal and external factors’ that he has been analysing, António Branco says that he has expressed his critical opinion over government policies and will continue to do so,“Public policies relating to higher education, the international scene, especially the European one, has dictated many of our internal policies, and it’s these that I disagree with.”
The rector said he will hang on until December when the term is up and will "fully exercise, up to that moment, the powers entrusted to me."
Branco hopes that the election of his replacement will be "serene and democratic” and that he guarantees that he will "participate actively in the electoral process that will take place after the summer", but not too closely as befits an outgoing rector.
Branco has shown how strong leadership can increase numbers, as in 2014 the enrollment numbers rose 18% at largely due to the efforts of the rector and his team.
When Branco took over the reins in November 2013, he faced a collapse in University finances with an imminent threat "of not being able to pay the salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff, inability to pay for water, electricity, cleaning, communications and security, the inability to maintain the buildings and the inability to afford the implementation of funded projects are just some of the commitments that can not be met,” Branco said at the time.
Dealing with the press and the Ministry of Education over a drunken student in September 2015, Branco showed a steady hand and reviewed the problems associated with student pranks against the still raw backdrop of the deaths at Meco beach in December 2013 in which six students from Lisbon drowned in unexplained circumstances.
Branco has been a good friend to the Algarve’s foreign community and determined early on to forge links with associations such as afpop and with individuals. In this he has succeeded and it is hoped that his successor carries on this outreach work that has helped reduce many of the ‘us and them’ barriers that have existed.
Clearly a man that refused to adopt policies that he regarded as flawed, Branco announced his exit in good time, rather than applying for a second four-year term of office and being punished for ignoring government dictats.
