Colleges and Universities at Their Limit — Alliance Warns Against Further Cuts

An alliance of student representatives and the ver.di union has launched a petition against further cuts at Saxony’s universities. Under the title “Universities at Their Limit—Investment Instead of Austerity,” the petition calls for reliable funding, according to the organizers. This comes against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations on the 2027/2028 two-year budget. The alliance warns of the consequences of years of underfunding: a backlog of renovations, fewer course offerings, hiring freezes, and a growing burden on employees.

Among other things, the initiative calls for adequate base funding for universities and student services organizations, investments in renovations and digitization, and permanent positions for ongoing tasks. The initiative opposes further cuts and blanket hiring freezes.

“Good study conditions and good working conditions go hand in hand,” said Bethany Knobloch, spokesperson for the Conference of Saxon Student Bodies. If positions are eliminated, courses are scaled back, and necessary investments are postponed, this will affect students as well as employees. The organizers are calling for signatures on the petition and have announced further joint actions during the budget deliberations.