Massive cuts to universities: protests on July 8th in Hesse!

Massive cuts to universities: protests on July 8th in Hesse!

The alarm bells are ringing in Hesse: universities are urgently warning against far-reaching cuts that could not only significantly endanger the quality of teaching, but also the research landscape. Against the background of the upcoming Hessian University Pact 2026-2031, which is characterized by structural underfunding, the state government is announcing austerity budgets for the coming years. This gives rise to several protests that will take place in various cities on July 8, 2025. In Marburg, for example, a demonstration with staff meetings and a joint march is being planned in order to gain public awareness of the unfortunate situation. It will begin on July 8th at 10 a.m. with a meeting in the Alte Aula, followed by a demonstration from 11:55 a.m. at Lahntorstraße 3. This campaign will be supported by a joint arrival from Gießen at 10:45 a.m. at the station forecourt.

These protest actions are also reflected in other cities: In Frankfurt a rally will be held at the Westend campus at 11:55 a.m., and in Kassel they will meet at 11 a.m. at the HoPla cafeteria. Numerous students and university employees have also mobilized in Fulda and Darmstadt to demonstrate against the planned cuts.

Which is why universities are on alert

The universities in Hesse are facing enormous challenges. The Hessian University Pact, which lays down the foundations and financing for all 14 universities in the state, was originally a response to the increasing demand for study places. Since 2002, the Hessian Ministry of Science has been negotiating this pact with universities every five years. But the current draft points in a different direction: the basic funding, which largely comes from public funds, will not be sufficient to meet the increasing requirements. Almost 90% of the funding that universities receive comes from the public sector, of which around 75% comes from the states and 15% from the federal government. Even if the federal government tries to provide targeted financial incentives, the basic financing of the states falls short of needs.

The university pact will be gradually expanded by a total of almost 8.2 billion euros, including 870 million euros in state funds from the “Future Contract to Strengthen Study and Teaching”. However, the incoming funds are often tied to short-term projects, which makes it much more difficult for universities to plan with certainty. This is underlined by the call for a petition against cuts at universities, which was initiated by staff councils and student representatives.

An outlook for the near future

In view of these challenges, the universities and their representatives have decided to speak up loudly for their concerns. They see the danger that the proposed cuts will endanger not only the quality of studying and teaching, but also the university's innovative strength. The current plans do not promote development, but rather seem to amount to a step backwards.

What happens next remains to be seen. However, the call to take part in the protests shows that students and university members are aware of their voice and are ready to fight for their future.

Further information can be found in the respective reports: GEW Hesse, Science Hesse and HRK.