The agreements are the result of a measure approved earlier this month by the Council of Ministers, which made available approximately 42.5 million euros to expand, in collaboration with local governments, the number of preschool places available in 30 municipalities.

On September 12, the Ministry of Education (MECI) signed the first agreements with six municipalities in the Algarve (Albufeira, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão, and Tavira) for 17 new classrooms, which could accommodate up to 425 children, and later with Santarém, for two new classrooms, each with 25 spaces.

Now it is the turn of the municipalities of Lisbon, Cascais, Loures, Amadora, Oeiras, Montijo, Moita, and Seixal, where the State will support the opening of 39 classrooms, for a total of 975 spaces.

"The step taken here is very encouraging and should make us all very happy because it demonstrates this commitment," emphasized Minister Fernando Alexandre, arguing that "in the area of ​​education, the commitment between local governments and the government will be increasingly important."

"The government has the responsibility to guarantee equal opportunities throughout the country and secure resources, but it's the city councils that make things happen".

During the session, which took place at the MECI facilities in Lisbon, a collaboration agreement was also signed with Castro Marim, which, according to the Ministry of Education, was not identified as being among the most needy, but decided to join the protocol to open a classroom with up to 25 spaces.

In total, among the 16 agreements already signed, 1,475 spaces will be made available in 59 classrooms, representing an investment of 2.5 million euros. Two additional classrooms will be signed soon, in Loulé and Silves.

For now, 13 of the 30 municipalities initially identified remain excluded, including Sintra, the most needy, where 67 classrooms are missing, Odivelas, which requires 20 classrooms, and Setúbal, where the Enrollment Portal identified the need for 19 classrooms.