In their responses to the LKRP’s ‘election benchmarks’, all parties emphasise the great importance of science and research for the city of Berlin and its positive development. But what specific ideas and plans are the SPD, CDU, Die Linke, Bündnis90/Die Grünen and the AfD putting forward? How do they intend to restore the trust that has been lost as a result of the termination of the university funding agreements and the drastic cuts made by the current government? What plans do the parties have for university funding and for ensuring reliable and high-quality study conditions? How do the parties intend to protect the autonomy of universities and academic freedom? And how do they plan to tackle the immense backlog of renovation work, which is leading to building closures and rising costs?
In total, the LKRP has sent nine ‘election benchmarks’ to the parties in order to publish the various parties’ positions and plans on science policy. The responses from all parties can be found on the LKRP’s website.
Prof. Dr Julia von Blumenthal, Chair of the State Conference of Rectors and Presidents (LKRP) and President of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin:
“I recommend that everyone read the election benchmarks carefully and compare them with the election manifestos and public statements made during the campaign.
Berlin’s universities are under pressure and facing immense challenges as a result of the massive cuts imposed by the Berlin state government. We are being forced to cut back on student places, including those for which there is sufficient demand. This is damaging to Berlin as a centre of scholarship.
We expect the future Berlin state government to ensure that Berlin’s universities are once again adequately funded and that the framework conditions for research, teaching and study are improved; that politicians respect university autonomy and academic freedom. And we expect it to finally take decisive action to tackle the backlog of renovation work at Berlin’s universities, which now amounts to more than 8 billion euros and is leading to buildings having to be closed.”