Protest against budget cuts: Universities send a united message in Graz

Under the slogan “#unisretten” (#SaveOurUniversities), universities, student unions and supporters of education, science and research protested in Graz today against the federal government’s planned budget cuts. The march proceeded from Wilhelm-Fischer-Allee through Graz city centre to the main square. The backdrop to this is the announcement of massive cuts in the higher education sector, against which universities and interest groups have been issuing urgent warnings for days. 

Following an initial estimate of around 5,000 participants, the police finally stated that 6,500 people had taken part in the demonstration, which proceeded as planned and without incident.

In their statements, the Rectors and student representatives emphasised the importance of reliable funding for research, teaching and innovation:

Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz
“The situation has not improved in recent days. Quite to the contrary. The federal government is putting off addressing the urgent issues. The outlook will not be any better in autumn. We need clarity now on the funding path for universities. A real reduction of 2.5 billion euros represents a massive and insurmountable cut if Austria wishes to continue to compete as a nation of knowledge, research and innovation on the world stage.”

Horst Bischof, Rector of TU Graz
“Cutting funding for universities today jeopardises the economy of tomorrow. This applies both to the shortage of skilled workers and to the decline in innovation. If funding for universities is cut, it will result in a lasting weakening of our position as a centre for business and science. The foundations for the technologies of the future are laid at universities, the innovators of tomorrow are trained here. Cutting funding for higher education would therefore have repercussions that extend far beyond the universities themselves.”

Andrea Kurz, Rector of the Medical University of Graz
“Styrian universities stand united against cuts to university funding. The example of the Medical University of Graz makes it clear that cuts affect not only teaching and research, but directly jeopardise healthcare and the training of future doctors. At the same time, the demands placed on universities in terms of teaching, research, innovation and social responsibility are increasing, whilst resources are actually decreasing or remain uncertain. This development is unsustainable. It leads to a decline in quality in education, healthcare and research. Investment in universities is therefore not an option, but a prerequisite for a functioning healthcare system, scientific progress and the future of the region.”

Georg Schulz, Rector of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz
“Of course, we at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz are also aware that savings are necessary. But the planned cuts will hit us disproportionately hard and will really take their toll. This must be prevented, because universities are a vital lifeline for Austria – not only as a competitive business location, but also as a democracy and a cultural nation, as well as a country where music thrives.”

Peter Moser, Rector of the Technical University of Leoben
“As Rector of the Technical University of Leoben, I strongly caution against the planned budget cuts. They will lead to less innovation, hinder the development of future technologies and permanently weaken Austria’s position as a centre for research and higher education. If there is a lack of funding for laboratories, equipment and qualified staff, we will lose talent, delay key projects and risk no longer being able to make full use of European funding and industrial partnerships. This affects not only the universities, but the entire value chain: from spin-offs and start-ups, through the competitiveness of our businesses, to regional jobs. Especially in times of energy and climate transition, efficient resource use and digitalisation, we need strong, reliable research and excellent teaching. Universities are not a cost factor, but the driving force behind prosperity, resilience and technological sovereignty. Those who cut back on education and research today will pay the price tomorrow with reduced competitiveness, greater dependence and missed opportunities.”

Eve Losbichler, First Vice-Chair of HTU Graz
“The future of our universities is being ruined by budget cuts. These cuts represent a massive attack on education, science and research in Austria. Research and education cannot function without infrastructure, without teaching and without people. Education is not a drain on the budget; it is an investment in the future of our country.”

The university community unanimously called on the federal government to reverse the announced cuts and to ensure planning security for universities and higher education institutions.