CDU demands a clear commitment to the independence of the University of Vechta!

CDU demands a clear commitment to the independence of the University of Vechta!

In a passionate appeal, the Oldenburg CDU regional association, which has around 9,000 members, called for a clear commitment from the red-green state government to maintaining the University of Vechta as an independent university. This urgent concern is no coincidence: the party conference resolution became necessary because the unclear stance of the Ministry of Science has caused great uncertainty in recent months. Science Minister Falko Mohrs (SPD) has emphasized that the University of Vechta should be preserved, but trust in his statements is visibly waning.

The concerns about the university are not only manifested in the words of the CDU. The science policy spokeswoman for the CDU parliamentary group, Cindy Lutz, also expresses massive concerns about the leadership vacuum at the university that has been going on for over 15 weeks. Behind this dilemma is the pending decision on a successor or an interim solution after the former president is voted out in January 2023. Lutz makes it clear how important the university is for teacher training, social services and the transformation of rural areas.

Unclear situation and demands

It appears that Mohrs, who has been repeatedly criticized, has taken no step to draw a clear line and take responsibility. The state government's answers to the CDU parliamentary group's inquiries were not only inadequate, but also increased the uncertainty. A document was only published a week after a public statement by the interim president, who wanted to support the independence of the University of Vechta. It seems as if regional actors have a legitimate interest in the state government making an unambiguous commitment to the existing university.

The uncertainty regarding the management structure of the University of Vechta has already led to members of parliament making two small inquiries asking for information about the measures to stabilize the management of the university. In particular, the strategic importance of the Vechta location is also addressed, as a university without management could significantly jeopardize the reputation and future prospects of students.

Financial support for universities

Lower Saxony Starting this year, more funds will be made available for additional first-year student places, which will increase cluster prices by 10 percent. This corresponds to a sum of more than 50 million euros as part of the third phase of the university pact. Science Minister Gabriele Heinen-Kljajić emphasizes that financial resources are necessary to ensure the quality of studies.

Although the state government's support for universities is positive in and of itself, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop at the University of Vechta, which is currently at the center of the political discussion. The coming weeks and months could be crucial in gaining clarity about the future of the university and its independent role in Lower Saxony's higher education system.