Red student representatives on the rise: coalition talks begin!

Red student representatives on the rise: coalition talks begin!

Student advocacy in Austria is facing significant changes after the Association of Socialist Students (VSStÖ) achieved a historically good result in the last elections. With 30 percent of the votes and 18 of 55 mandates, the organization enters the Austria-wide student parliament, which not only means an increase of 4 percentage points, but also an increase of 3 mandates. The Reds achieved particular successes, among others, at the University of Salzburg with almost 40 percent and at the business university, where they received a quarter of the votes. These election results indicate that the group's priorities are the right ones, as the expected ÖH chairwoman, Wienerroither, emphasizes.

In the coming weeks, Wienerroither plans to hold coalition talks to form a “left-wing coalition,” although she leaves open whether it will be a two-party coalition. She highlights how much easier important tasks could be implemented in such an arrangement. A central concern of the VSStÖ is to make studying affordable for everyone. The first measure is to improve student aid.

Social issues in focus

The VSStÖ's plans go beyond improving study conditions. Wienerroither and her group are calling for a strong left-wing voice for social security, affordable housing and the fight against the right. This comes against the backdrop of a worrying rise in right-wing extremist incidents at universities. Universities should function as places for progressive ideas and not as refuges for old, discriminatory worldviews.

The VSStÖ election program also includes the need for a cross-university action plan against right-wing extremism. In the past, Austria's universities have not always fully come to terms with their own Nazi past, which has contributed to the spread of right-wing extremist thinking. Right-wing extremists still feel comfortable at many universities, including fraternities, which are rarely discussed. Studies online points out that right-wing extremist ideologies are widespread not only in marginalized social groups, but also in academic milieus.

Current challenges in higher education

The debate about right-wing extremism at universities rarely comes into the focus of public discussion. This leads to foreign students refusing university places for fear of racism and so-called “nationally liberated zones”. Access to universities has long been reserved for privileged groups, which limits diversity among students. Currently only 24 out of 100 working-class children find their way to university, which underlines the urgency of reforms.

Overall, there is a clear need for action to strengthen universities as places of education and progressive ideas. The VSStÖ is determined in this regard and will continue to hold intensive discussions to advance a future-oriented and inclusive higher education policy that meets today's challenges.