Students and faculty across Brazil took to the streets on May 15 to protest against budget freezes and the suspension of new research scholarships enacted by the federal government on May 2. This has been the largest demonstration against the government since Jair Bolsonaro took office early this year, with an estimated turnout of more than 1 million people, according to the organizers.
While the cuts will not affect payrolls, and ongoing scholarships have been spared, students, scientists, and educators worry the situation could compromise the future of Brazilian science and higher education.
The government calls the cuts “contingencies” and insists the money—a moving figure that is now thought to be 1.69 billion reais ($412 million US)—is only being withheld until the economic situation improves.
On the same day of the protests, congressmen forced Education Minister Abraham Weintraub to explain the cuts. He blamed previous administrations for the current situation ...
