University protest expected to disrupt central Vienna traffic

A demonstration against planned university budget cuts is expected to draw at least 10,000 people and cause serious traffic disruption in central Vienna, ORF reported.

The Austrian National Union of Students, known as the ÖH, says the government’s budget plans risk worsening teaching, student support and employment conditions. It is calling, alongside students, teachers, researchers and other university staff, for adequate long-term funding.

The protest, organised by the ÖH and the Austrian Universities Conference, is due to begin at 3 p.m. at the Technical University. From about 4 p.m., demonstrators will march from Resselpark via Karlsplatz, Lothringerstrasse, Schwarzenbergplatz, the Ringstrasse and Franz-Josefs-Kai, before returning along the Ringstrasse for a closing rally at the University of Vienna.

Traffic is expected to be heavily affected, particularly in the city centre. Trams on the Ringstrasse and bus services will also be disrupted, while alternative routes such as the Gürtel are expected to become congested.

The universities’ governing bodies have formally backed the demonstration, and students and staff have been given time off to attend. The Public Service Union has also announced its support. University leaders and representatives of university senates and works councils are due to speak at the rally.

The Universities Conference has warned that budget cuts will lead to substantial job losses, particularly among early-career researchers. Austria’s 23 public universities are set to receive 16 billion euros in the next three-year budget, roughly the same nominal amount as now. The Universities Conference says they would have needed 18 billion euros just to cover rising costs. University rectors have said zero wage increases for their roughly 68,000 employees through 2030 are not an option.