21.9.2023

Rector comments on the occupation of Aurum

About twenty students from Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku have since the afternoon of 20 September occupied a space in Aurum, Turku, in protest against the government’s planned cuts. The rectors of Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku support the demonstrators in Aurum and have given them permission to continue their occupation, as long as they do not disturb the other activities in the property.

“It is not reasonable for the Orpo government to demand a faster pace of study while freezing the student financial aid index and proposing to cut the housing allowance. Our students need to be able to concentrate fully on their studies in order to feel well, graduate and enter the labour market. Together with the rest of society, universities build a diverse education that forms the basis for an open, equal and democratic world. Let us continue to do so,” says Mikael Lindfelt, Rector of Åbo Akademi University.

The university’s security personnel are monitoring the situation and keeping the management up to date.