On Thursday, April 7, SFS and SSCO (Stockholm Student Union's central organization) held a joint political mingling, where the parliamentary parties' education policy members participated in a panel discussion. Outside the hall in KTH's union building Nymble, the snow was swirling, but inside the heat there were lively conversations.
The following politicians participated in the panel:
- Gunilla Svantorp (S), chair of the education committee
- Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (M), responsible for higher education issues
- Robert Stenkvist (SD), member of the education committee
- Ilona Szatmári Waldau (V), spokesperson for higher education and research
- Fredrik Christensson (C), education policy spokesperson
- Camilla Hansén (MP), spokesperson for higher education and research
- Fredrik Malm (L), Deputy Chairman of the Education Committee
A representative from the Christian Democrats was also invited but was unfortunately prevented. The panel was also attended by Linn Svärd, chairman of SFS, who gave the conversation a student perspective, and the moderator was Sofia Holmdahl, union chairman of SSCO.
Below we give a brief account of the topics covered and what the politicians in the panel answered.
Increased quality in higher education
The panel discussion began with a question about what the parties consider necessary for increased quality in higher education.
Gunilla Svantorp (S) stated that quality is many different things and highlighted training places, quality assurance systems, teacher-led hours (which looks different among different subjects), broadened recruitment, and the need for a current situation analysis.
Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (M) addressed broadened recruitment, teacher-led time, and the importance of business for education to lead to jobs.
Robert Stenkvist (SD) considered that quality needs to be increased and not just the training places, and that the financing system should not be quantity-driven.
Ilona Szatmári Waldau (V) wanted to increase the price tag on each education by SEK 1000 per full-time student (HOPE) and review the system with full-year performance (HPR). She also emphasized the need for the education to have a strong research connection, better job security within the university and the importance of students' participation in shaping their education.
Fredrik Christensson (C) said that a quality investment is needed, research and teaching need resources, and emphasized the importance of maintaining competence. The Center Party also wants to abolish HPR and instead introduce a total amount.
Camilla Hansén (MP) wanted to see an increased attractiveness for the shortage. Students, teachers and researchers need to be strengthened. She also emphasized the importance of job security and social security for students.
Fredrik Malm (L) raised teacher-led time, which requires more doctoral teachers, as well as an "educational boost" aimed at the humanities.
The study medium
Next, questions were asked about study grants. The politicians were asked about changes in study grants, more number of weeks with study grants, higher study grants and an increase in interest on study grants.
Gunilla Svantorp (S) highlighted the student financial aid system as a cornerstone in the welfare society, and that the tax exemption and the grant component are important.
Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (M) stated that the tax-free amount should be removed, and was for several weeks with study grants. Critical of raising interest rates on study grants.
Robert Stenkvist (SD) proposed an increase of SEK 1000 in study grants for those studying for the shortage, and said that the exemption amount should not be increased. Be against an interest rate increase.
Ilona Szatmári Waldau (V) wanted to increase the grant component, reduce students' hidden costs, reintroduce the student term in working life insurance, reintroduce investment support and introduce holidays for students. She did not want to increase the number of weeks with study grants, but instead introduce more generous rules. Oppose that the adjustment study support should be paid for by raising interest on the study grant.
Fredrik Christensson (C) wanted to increase the loan part.
Fredrik Malm (L) said that the free amount should be increased permanently, that students should be able to be on part-time sick leave and that the number of weeks with study grants is well balanced. An increase in the interest rate hits hardest on those who have studied longer educations and female-dominated professions.
Mental illness and student health care
After that, the politicians were asked questions about the students' mood, student health care and part-time sick leave. Regarding part-time sick leave for students, there was great agreement among politicians and no one opposed it.
Gunilla Svantorp (S) mentioned that the government has raised student health as an important issue, but reflected on the fact that they may have invested too little.
Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (M) emphasized an increased collaboration between primary care and student health, and the importance of access to student health throughout the country.
Robert Stenkvist (SD) emphasized the importance of equal student health throughout the country.
Ilona Szatmári Waldau (V) supports the University Chancellor's Office (UKÄ)'s proposal that a higher education institution should be commissioned to coordinate student health.
Fredrik Christensson (C) said that student health needs to be strengthened and wanted to see a broader investigation of how.
Camilla Hansén (MP) wanted the requirement that there should be a psychologist in every student health.
Fredrik Malm (L) said that the collaboration between the health center and student health is important.
If politicians can dream
Finally, the politicians were asked to dream big - what would they do if their party had a majority in the Riksdag?
Gunilla Svantorp (S) had wanted to have an equal primary school, increase basic funding and increase the quality of basic education.
Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (M) had wanted to see higher quality, more student housing, and invested in academic freedom.
Robert Stenkvist (SD) had abolished the productivity deduction and ensured that the rules were changed so that all students had a roof over their heads.
Ilona Szatmári Waldau (V) had increased the study grant, introduced student pay, ensured that students are entitled to all insurance systems and given the higher education institutions increased funding.
Fredrik Christensson (C) had strengthened the quality of education, abolished HPR and invested in academic freedom.
Camilla Hansén (MP) had increased the study grant and strengthened student health.
Fredrik Malm (L) had reviewed and strengthened the quality indicators and taken long-term initiatives for large research platforms.