The Student Union of the University of Vaasa expresses its concern regarding budget plans on students livelihood

The Student Union of the University of Vaasa expresses its support for the goals of the nationwide student protests related to students' livelihoods, tuition fee-free education, and the improvement of international students' status. Student unions have campaigned together throughout the year so students would be lifted above the poverty line. However, the government is now acting in exactly the opposite direction.

We are concerned about the government's planned reductions in student livelihood and housing support. Student livelihood and housing must be secured now and in the future. Only this ensures the opportunity to focus on studies during the years of education. The government's cuts do not support the goals related to raising the level of education or improving educational attainment, as concerns about livelihood worsen.

The government's plan to link Finnish social welfare assistance to residence permits for international students is detrimental to their position. It would lead to permit cancellations if Finnish social welfare support is utilized. For the future of our country, it is essential to retain valuable international expertise here.

The consequences of the government's budget cuts must be recognized: educational attainment and students' ability to study will deteriorate, and the level of education will not rise. We demand the reversal of the budget cuts affecting students and the improvement of the position of international students.
 

More information:

Elmo Paloniemi
Chair of the Student Union's Executive Board
elmo.paloniemi@vyy.fi