VSSTÖ withdraws: Who takes responsibility for students?

VSSTÖ withdraws: Who takes responsibility for students?

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The student representative at the FH Campus Vienna is facing a dramatic change. The Association of Socialist Students in Austria (VSSTÖ), who dominated the ÖH election 2023 with impressive 46 % of the votes, has surprisingly withdrawn from the university representation in the past few months. As apa.at has not been represented for a year. This led to an empty series of chairs at the top of the student representative, and the Junos students now took responsibility. Moritz Gabriel was unanimously elected chairman with the aim of offering urgently needed stability and service.

historical roots of the VSStö

The history of the VSSTÖ is of great importance due to its origins in the socialist student movement. Progressive students in Vienna have been united in Vienna since 1893, which was committed to an open and democratic university landscape, so Rotzweit.at . Over the years, the VSSTÖ fought social inequalities, campaigned for open educational access and mobilized against discriminatory measures in university policy. Despite severe setbacks, including bans during Austrofascism and the National Socialist dictatorship, the association remained an important voice for students.

The current developments at the FH Campus Vienna throw a bright light on the need for a strong and active student representative. Manuel Grubmüller, top candidate of the Junos, criticized the inactivity of the VSSTÖ sharply: "It is regrettable to see how the association is withdrawing instead of fighting for the interests of the students." The upcoming elections in May offer students the opportunity to reclaim responsibility and real representation. The elections are not only an opportunity for reorientation for the students, but also a test for the relevance and commitment of the VSSTÖ in today's university policy.