The University of Algarve is in danger of the "total stoppage of its activities before the end of the year" if there is no increase in funding from the 2014 State Budget according to the University Dean.
The new University chief, António Branco said he had met with the administrator of the University of Algarve (UAlg) to learn in detail of its financial state.
"I confirmed that a substantial decrease in our balance has been carried over and that, if not properly reinforced by the state budget for 2014, the University of the Algarve risks the total stoppage of its activities before the end of the year as it will be unable to meet its commitments," said Branco.
Failure 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,” said the Dean.
António Branco added that his first task is to develop a real and transparent budget, and work out the expected deficit for 2014.
Branco has a Ph.D in Medieval English Literature and was elected in November 2013 as the Dean of UALg with an absolute majority.
Branco was supportive of the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities which announced a cut in diplomatic relations with the Government following negotiations on the 2014 State Budget and the restructuring of the higher education network.
