Press release from the Swedish National Union of Students
The Liberals and the government are cutting state funding for student unions from 55 to 35 million in the state budget for 2026, a cut of one third. Student union funding is now at record low levels.
“This is a devastating blow to higher education,” says Rasmus Lindstedt, chairman of the Swedish National Union of Students (SFS). Student unions have a statutory role in ensuring that education is of high quality, yet the government continues to worsen the conditions for their important work.
The state subsidy to student unions was introduced when the compulsory union membership was abolished in 2010 under the leadership of the former Liberal Party leader and Minister of Education Lars Leijonborg. The inquiry promised student unions a state subsidy of approximately 400 kronor in today's money per student each year, but in reality the subsidy was significantly lower. Now the subsidy is being reduced to 100 kronor – the lowest figure ever.
– The Liberals have played out their role, says Rasmus Lindstedt, SFS. They profile themselves as an education party but cut back on student influence and attack academic freedom. The Liberals are unable to stand up for core academic values and have lost their raison d'être.
Contact
Spokesperson: Rasmus Lindstedt, chairman, 070-545 75 57, [email protected]
Press photos
Press photos of Rasmus can be downloaded here
About SFS
SFS is an association of student unions at Swedish universities and colleges. SFS has around sixty member unions which together represent approximately 400,000 students and doctoral students.