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HAMBURG – Last Thursday, approximately 7,000 employees and students of the University of Hamburg gathered near the Dammtor station to protest against ongoing budget cuts and the deteriorating financial situation of the institution. The demonstrators, responding to a nationwide day of action for higher education, marched from the university’s main building to City Hall to demand immediate intervention from the Senate.
Demanding a 30 Million Euro Budget Increase
The core demand of the protesters is an increase of 30 million euros in the university’s annual basic budget. Participants emphasized that while the university holds an “excellence” status, the actual conditions for teaching and research are suffering under severe financial pressure.
René König, representing the non-scientific staff council, highlighted the state of permanent exhaustion among employees. “Whoever wants excellence cannot simultaneously save the foundation to death,” König stated. He noted that excellence funding does not cover the costs of basic teaching operations.
The Scale of Planned Savings
According to Alexander Lemonakis, spokesperson for the University of Hamburg, the financial situation is critical. “The faculties must currently save 4.5 percent, and the central administration five percent,” Lemonakis explained. He added that projections indicate that by 2032, faculties will have to save at least 10.5 percent, with the administration facing an 11 percent reduction.
Chemistry professor Peter Burger, a member of the Academic Senate, emphasized that third-party funding is not a substitute for basic state funding, which is the responsibility of the city government.
Students Against Austerity
The student perspective was voiced by AStA chairwoman Daria Azadi, who accused the Senate of intentionally cutting funds for study conditions, courses, tutorials, and library operating hours. “This affects the living conditions of us students, who already largely live below the poverty line,” Azadi said.
Demonstrators argued that the city prioritizes costly prestige projects over education, while university buildings fall into disrepair and laboratories lack necessary materials.
The Senate is expected to finalize the next budget plan by June 24. Protesters intend to maintain pressure on policymakers until that date.
Source: NDR
