University funding, clash over cuts between rectors and Minister Bernini

The funds for universities risk being reduced by more than 500 million euros, 513,264,188 to be exact: the draft ministerial decree on the Ordinary Financing Fund foresees this. The rectors of Italian universities, united in the Crui, are sounding the alarm. With these cuts - they claim - it is unsustainable to cover even personnel costs. And they go further: 'The measure presents significant critical elements that, if confirmed, risk not only halting the virtuous evolution of the national university system but also jeopardising the very survival of the Italian state university'. So it is not only salaries that are at risk, but also research.

The 85 rectors were supposed to meet this morning with University Minister Anna Maria Bernini and talk to her about this thorny issue, but the meeting suddenly broke down and frost fell between the parties. The minister appeared disappointed and irritated by the Crui's articulate document in which the rectors demanded, among other things, to be informed beforehand of the distribution criteria and a round table. "With the Ordinary Financing Fund still under discussion, the choice was made to spread unfounded and alarmist figures on alleged cuts to universities. Instead of confrontation on the merits with the minister and his staff, the road of prejudice and public polemics is preferred," says the minister, who closes to any hypothesis of confrontation.