President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva advocated on Friday (April 10) in Sorocaba, São Paulo, including Fies students in federal debt renegotiation programs during the inauguration of an Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP) campus. He announced additional investments there and commented on education, Donald Trump, and future candidacies. The remarks were directed at Education Minister Leonardo Barchini.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the inauguration of the new building at the Sorocaba Campus of the Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP) on Friday (April 10) in São Paulo's interior. During the event, Lula announced an extra R$ 8 million investment through the Novo PAC for a student restaurant, library, auditorium, and sports court on campus.
Addressing Education Minister Leonardo Barchini, Lula stated that the government became guarantor for Fies students and their debt is rising. “We will have to include them in our debt negotiation too, because we cannot take away a young university student's dream because he owes money,” the president said. He noted that Fies produces qualified labor, boosting the country's productivity.
Lula stressed investing in education, comparing student costs to those of inmates. “It is much cheaper to invest in education than in criminals. [...] how much did it cost not to invest in education at the right time,” he declared. He cited literacy progress: from 36% to 66% of children by second grade this year, aiming for 80% by 2030.
In a light tone, Lula joked that Donald Trump “would not mess with Brazil” if he knew a “nervous northeasterner,” referencing his supposed Lampião blood, and that the American is “threatening everyone.” The president also said he and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will run “some day.” Earlier, Lula inaugurated a UFABC unit and launched an InCor center.
