Rector of the University of Magdeburg warns of the influence of an AfD-led state government on universities

From financing to professorships to structural decisions, an AfD-led state government could have considerable influence on universities. The rector of the University of Magdeburg, Jens Strackeljan, warns in an interview with the newspapers of the Funke media group of the consequences, including the possible scientific isolation of Saxony-Anhalt.

Freedom of science is guaranteed in the Basic Law, but a state government can say: “You can research this topic, but not with our money.” The state's approval is required to establish professorships. However, the German Research Foundation and the other federal states would not change their scientific standards in funding. And around 85 percent of the university budget comes from state funds.

Abandoning bachelor's and master's degrees?

If the AfD wanted to return to old degrees from bachelor's and master's courses, it would "simply pull the plug" on the university. “Many of our international students come to Saxony-Anhalt specifically for an English-language master’s degree after completing their bachelor’s degree somewhere in the world. They wouldn't go into a diploma or master's program again. They either come to the master’s degree – or they don’t come at all.”

Strackeljan signals willingness to talk. “It may be that I get an employer from the AfD. Then we have to talk to each other. But it’s clear to us: the cosmopolitan nature of our campus is a red line.” The university has over 5,500 international students, 2,200 from India. “Many have been here for years, have integrated themselves, want to stay, and we have created a variety of integration programs for them. We will not allow ourselves to be deterred by this cosmopolitanism.”

The AfD was by far the strongest force in the state elections, getting just under 44 percent. Ulrich Siegmund wants to be elected as the first AfD Prime Minister in December, but needs at least three votes from other factions to do so.