President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva compared the costs of prisoners and federal institute students, stating education is cheaper, and pledged to include Fies debts in renegotiation programs during the inauguration of an IFSP campus in Sorocaba, São Paulo, on Friday (April 10). He announced R$8 million in additional investments and highlighted literacy progress.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) spoke at the inauguration of the new Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP) campus in Sorocaba, São Paulo state, alongside Education Minister Leonardo Barchini. The event supports the expansion of the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific and Technological Education, funded by the Novo PAC. The 4,600 m² campus includes classrooms, labs, and administrative facilities.
Lula detailed annual costs: about R$40,000 for an inmate in federal maximum-security prisons, R$35,000 in other units, and R$16,000 for a federal institute student. 'In other words, half the cost of a criminal,' he said, arguing it is 'much cheaper to invest in education than in criminals' and that failing to invest leads to prison expenses.
On Fies, Lula noted the government became guarantor for contracts amid rising student debt. 'We cannot take away a young university student's dream because he is in debt,' he stated, pledging inclusion in negotiations. Graduates repay debts while boosting productivity.
He announced an additional R$8 million for a student dining hall, library, auditorium, and sports court. Lula also cited literacy progress: from 36% to 66% of children literate by second grade last year, targeting 80% by 2030.
In lighter remarks, Lula joked that Donald Trump 'would not mess with Brazil' if aware of his 'nervous northeasterner' heritage akin to Lampião, calling Trump 'threatening everyone.' He added he and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will run 'some day.' Earlier, Lula had inaugurated a UFABC unit and launched an InCor center.
