LRK-Saxony on the results of the state elections
Universities in Saxony expect further development of Saxony as a center of scholarship and continuity in university autonomy
(Dresden) The Saxony State Rectors’ Conference welcomes the fact that, based on the results of the state legislative election, it can be assumed that the future state government will continue to recognize the vital importance of science to the Free State of Saxony’s capacity for innovation and economic strength. As scientific studies by independent institutes show, investments in science are particularly beneficial for the citizens of the respective states. The resulting value creation far exceeds the costs. Education, research, and innovation are an irreplaceable component of any economy. This is also demonstrated by the numerous companies that have established themselves in Saxony, the proliferation of spin-offs, and the competitiveness of businesses located at or near university campuses in Saxony.
The State Rectors’ Conference—despite all the challenges posed by the election results—welcomes the opportunity for a government composed of parties committed to democratic principles. Scholars, musicians, and artists at Saxony’s universities feel a duty to society to contribute to a cosmopolitan, democratic, hate-free, and dialogue-based political culture. The Rectors of Saxony’s state universities remain committed to this cause. The chair of the LRK-Saxony, Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, emphasizes: “University autonomy and the protection of freedom of research and teaching have proven their worth in Saxony. Both have been—and continue to be—essential factors for societal development, especially in times of crisis.”
On May 15, 2024, the current state government under Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer and the Rectors of Saxony’s universities agreed on the basic funding for the universities for the next 8 years. Sticking to this agreement is of great importance for the Free State. This funding agreement provides employees and students with a sense of direction and security.
Saxony’s universities are crucial to the technological progress and economic strength of our Free State. It is of great importance that the new state government upholds university autonomy and continues to strengthen Saxony as a center of science and research. Investments in education and research yield long-term benefits for society.
”Press Release from the State Rectors' Conference on the 2024 State Election in Saxony
Joint Statement by the Executive Board of the Saxony State Rectors’ Conference, the Thuringia State Presidents’ Conference, and the German Rectors' Conference:
September 11, 2024 — Thuringia and Saxony have elected new state parliaments. In the coming weeks, the elected representatives will reach an agreement on the formation of a government. For academia and universities, it is crucial that university autonomy and academic freedom be preserved. Only in this way can academia realize its full potential for the economy and society. An open-minded approach to the world is a key factor in this regard. Only a university that thinks and acts internationally is future-oriented and competitive. An open and international campus, along with the mobility of faculty and students, are essential foundations for high-quality teaching, learning, and research. We are proud of—and expressly support—the fact that people from all over the world and from a wide variety of backgrounds study and work at our universities.
To ensure this continues, an environment is needed that guarantees the protection against discrimination enshrined in the Constitution. Overall, all political parties and all citizens are called upon to work to ensure that hostility toward science, restrictions on academic freedom, racism, intolerance, and ideas and stereotypes based on exclusion are not normalized. We remain committed to strengthening social cohesion and trust in liberal democracy.
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