Government work must not be limited to PR - support for BM Leichtfried's demand

It is now almost a year since the government decided in July 2016 to invest an additional 100 million euros in the expansion of universities of applied sciences. The University of Applied Sciences Conference expressly welcomed this decision, which was initiated by Science Minister Mitterlehner, as a "strong signal for the further development of the Austrian higher education sector". Today, Helmut Holzinger, President of the FHK, is accordingly critical of the fact that nothing has happened in practice since the announcement of additional funds: "Government policy must not be limited to announcements and PR campaigns. Despite the continuous increase in study places in the FH sector, 2 out of 3 applicants still have to be turned away. The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, who gave us their word a year ago, are called upon to honour this word with the Minister of Finance." The FHK is therefore delighted that Infrastructure Minister Leichtfried seems to be aware of this problem. Holzinger: "It would be a great help if today's media statements by Federal Minister Leichtfried were also followed up by tangible political initiatives in the direction of the Finance Minister," concluded Holzinger.