The budget allocated to the University of Malta has been reduced by at least €1.1 million for the next academic year, PN Education spokesperson Justin Schembri said in a statement.

This drastic reduction in the budget of the University of Malta was confirmed by the Rector, Professor Alfred J. Vella, in a communication he sent today to the Deans of the Faculties, Schembri said.

In his communication, the Rector explained how currently 85% of the budget allocated to the University goes to salaries and another 10% to essential services, Schembri said. Therefore, with the Government's decision, it seems that the University will not have enough funds to manage and manoeuvre its academic needs with the expected quality, Schembri added.

In this regard the PN condemns the way the Government is choosing to reduce the financial allocation to the University of Malta, while reminding that the finances used in Education are an investment for the future and not a whim for propaganda.

The rector also expressed his concern at the fact that the financial allocation will continue to decrease the following academic year (2023-2024), due to inflation and increases in salaries and services, which is estimated to be between €3 million and €5 million, Schembri said.

In addition, the University is also expecting a reduction in the Research Fund, which may limit the University from continuing with research programs planned for the coming academic year, he said.

In its statement the PN said that the University of Malta is already operating with restricted financial allocations and is not being helped or encouraged to expand in its operations. The PN said that this is preventing the University of Malta from focusing on new projects through which it would continue to strengthen and provide services to Maltese and foreign students.

"Instead, however, the government chooses to make the University of Malta beg for funds. And this is the same Government that spent half a million euros in advertising for Budget 2022 last October and the same Government that promised with so much pride before the March election that education will be its priority." It said.