Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced an increase of ALL 15,000 in grants for students from economically disadvantaged families. The new amount will reach ALL 25,000, equivalent to half the minimum wage, and will also cover master’s students.

Rama also outlined housing measures under a new bill before the Assembly. These include government co-funded rent and loans with zero or 3% interest for students and young couples. In addition, the government plans to introduce a scheme requiring businesses to employ students at half the minimum wage under a specific formula.

Meanwhile, the prime minister criticised pressure on students to join protests or boycott classes. He also condemned university lecturers’ boycotts and called for a distinction between the right to protest and imposing disruption on students who wish to attend classes.

Rama said 60% of students receive at least one form of direct state support. The government fully covers university fees for 10,152 students and pays half the fees for another 27,050. He added that the government covers three-quarters of public university funding.

Rama also cited €100 million in approved funding for student accommodation. He said the government remained ready to revise the University Pact and reach a new agreement with students.

/a.p./