Protests at universities: Hesse fears cuts of one billion euros

Protests at universities: Hesse fears cuts of one billion euros

Protests at Hessian universities have caused a stir in recent days. Students and employees demonstrated against the state government's plans, which provide for massive cuts in the funding of science and education for the years 2026 to 2030 as part of the university pact. The fear of a deficit of around one billion euros in the next six years hovers over the country's universities. Science Minister Timon Gremmels had to face resistance on several fronts.

The Education and Science Union (GEW) and Verdi organized the protests, which were attended by an estimated 450 people, particularly at the University of Kassel and the Technical University of Darmstadt. The event was held under the motto “No Cuts”, which illustrates the urgency of the issue. The discussions about the university pact are characterized by frustration and uncertainty, especially when it comes to the future of professorships and employment relationships. Science Minister Gremmels speaks of necessary cuts due to falling tax revenues.

Financing fears

The planned deficit leads to concerns about the structural underfunding of universities, warn the university authorities. A permanent reduction of ten percent of the workforce is in the offing. The GEW reported dissatisfaction among employees, which was reinforced not least by the inadequate equipment for experiments, which was denounced by a psychology student. The annual increase of 2.12 percent is also seen as far too low to cover the increasing costs.

University President Ute Clement emphasized in her statements that this was not just about austerity measures, but about profound cuts. The emerging tension between the universities and the state government is also reflected in an open letter from the staff councils of several Hessian universities, which was addressed to the state government and points out the need for adequate basic funding.

Opposition reactions

The opposition sharply criticized the financing plans, some even described the university pact as a “savings university pact” and warned that long-term negative effects on research, teaching and staff cannot be ruled out. The frustration is noticeable not only among the protesters, but also among education politicians, who are calling for a fundamental change in university funding in order to secure the quality of the courses offered and the number of jobs. une.

The wave of protests has also shown that there is an all-round consensus about the importance of universities for society and the economy. Although Minister Gremmels emphasizes the central role of universities for the future of the country, the question remains as to how these plans should be implemented in times of tight budgets. The discussion about the budget for 2025, which the unions have already demanded, will begin in autumn. The coming decisions could significantly determine the future of Hessian universities.