Universities - Students protest against budget cuts
One thousand students and university employees have demonstrated in Darmstadt, Marburg, Kassel and Frankfurt against budget cuts in education and science. "The government must keep its promise from the coalition contract and ensure adequate and reliable financing," demanded Gabriel Nyc from the union Verdi. According to a Verdi statement, the subsidies for the universities have been reduced by 34 million Euros with the supplementary budget this year, and further cuts are expected for 2025.
The demo in Darmstadt was also attended by Science Minister Timon Gremmels (SPD). He had previously stated that "I am committed to ensuring that the Hessian university location remains strong – also in financially difficult times."
- The students and faculty in Wiesbaden are planning demonstrations similar to those in Darmstadt, Marburg, Kassel, and Frankfurt, expressing their concerns about the proposed budget cuts in education and science.
- Gabriel Nyc, representing Verdi in Hesse, expressed concern about the 34 million Euros budget cut for universities this year and the anticipated further cuts in 2025, during the demonstrations in Kassel.
- In response to the criticism, the government of Hesse, led by Minister-President Volker Bouffier, announced that they will be reviewing the education and science budget to ensure that it supports the growth and future of universities in cities like Marburg, Kassel, and Frankfurt.
- The university in Marburg is seeking alternative funding sources to compensate for the budget cuts, as the students continue to participate in demonstrations, expressing their displeasure with the government's approach to education and science funding.
- While attending a conference in Frankfurt, a prominent scholar from the University of Wiesbaden criticized the budget cuts, stating that it could potentially harm the quality of education and research in Hesse, including cities like Kassel, Marburg, and Darmstadt.
