On May 8-11, the Swedish National Union of Students gathered for its general council – SFSFUM – in Kristianstad. Over three intensive days filled with politics and discussions, over 200 student union activists gathered to decide on the coming year. This year’s general council was no ordinary general council, as it is the last one before the government’s announced reduction in support for student unions comes into effect in 2026. Will next year’s SFSFUM need to be more activist, when the conditions for institutionalized student influence are being undermined by the government?
Host city and inauguration
That SFSFUM 2025 was held in Kristianstad was no coincidence, the city was chosen 2024 for Student City of the Year by SFS. The Kristianstad Student Union hosted the weekend, and the general assembly began at the Krinova Incubator & Science Park premises. Both the university and the municipality participated and showed their support for the student movement.
At the opening of SFSFUM, Håkan Pihl, Rector of Kristianstad University, Camilla Palm, Chair of the Municipal Board of Kristianstad, Daniel Matancic, Chair of the Student Union of Kristianstad, and SFS gave the opening speech. presidium Rasmus Lindstedt and Elsa Berlin. State Secretary Maria Nilsson participated digitally and in her speech highlighted SFS's important role in the social debate. Several unions then took the opportunity to ask questions about the government's announced cuts in support for student unions.
The student movement sets the agenda
The General Council is SFS's highest decision-making body and determines the political and organizational direction of the association's activities each year. This year's General Council was characterized by a special focus on the issues that are considered most urgent in the changing higher education policy landscape.
The following priority issues were adopted for the upcoming financial year:
- Student union funding; continued focus on the conditions for student influence in light of the announced changes from the government.
- A sustainable student economywith the goal of improving students' financial conditions during their studies.
- Teacher-led time; a new priority issue that emphasizes the importance of quality in teaching and students' right to accessible teachers, including in light of SFS's previous report Low, lower, lowest.
In addition to new priority issues for the 25/26 fiscal year, the council also adopted an organizational focus issue: a strong and united student movement.
The council also took a position on several motions from the member bodies, several of which were voted through.
Students' right to recovery
SFS will initiate a national investigation that examines students' opportunities for recovery – both during and between semesters. The investigation will have clear, measurable goals and include an analysis of how the student finance system affects recovery.
The motion, which was approved by the council, emphasizes that students cannot be expected to perform at their peak without reasonable conditions for rest and recovery. The SFS board has also been tasked with reporting the results of the investigation to SFSFUM in 2027.
International solidarity
The General Council has also decided that SFS will work to ensure that Swedish universities contribute to the reconstruction of the university and higher education sector in Gaza and other war-torn areas. At the same time, FUM decided that SFS will work to ensure that SUHF (Swedish University and Higher Education Association) investigates Swedish higher education institutions' collaborations with international universities. The investigation will lead to a report in which SUHF clearly recommends that collaborations be terminated if they do not meet principles for responsible internationalization. The decision highlights that academia also has a responsibility in global contexts, not least in times of conflict and crisis.
SFS grows with three new member bodies
The student movement continues to grow. At this year's general council, three new members were elected: SöderS – Södertörn University Student Union, Linköpings Teknologers Student Union and Skogshögskolan Student Union. It is a statement of strength for SFS that more student unions choose to join the organization and the joint work for students' conditions. A warm welcome!
New management elected
On Saturday, I chose council presidium for the upcoming financial year. Rasmus Lindstedt received a unanimous renewed vote of confidence as chairman of SFS. In his speech, he highlighted that the student movement is facing a crucial time:
- "The student movement is facing a crucial time, the government has announced major reforms in higher education policy but is also threatening to cut funding for student unions. I am honored to have been entrusted to continue leading SFS's work and work for the changes we students need."
Vice President Elsa Berlin was warmly thanked after a strong year in the presidency and gave a farewell speech in which she emphasized the power of the movement.
The council also elected a new board for the 2025/2026 financial year. The board consists of:
- Filippa Alesand Lundin, Consensus
- Gustav Heldt, Student Union of the University of Technology
- Linus Holmström, Blekinge Student Union
- Victor Holmström, Umeå Student Union
- Charlotta Pettersson, Göta Student Union
- Adrian Ryberg, Jönköping Student Union
- Melissa Ferm, Student Union in Skövde
SFSFUM 2025 emphatically demonstrates that the student movement stands united in the work to safeguard the influence that generations of students have fought to build. Despite student unions having varying local needs and sometimes differing opinions, they are united under the general council in a common will and direction.