FLÖ leaves ÖH coalition because party politics must not take precedence over the interests of students
As Independent Student Representative Lists of Austria (FLÖ), we have continuously advocated for students in the executive of the Federal Representation of the Austrian Students“ Union (BV, ÖH) since 2011. As a party-independent faction, our most important concern is to place the interests of students at the center. The destructive factional infighting of recent months has enormously impaired work in the interest of students. The lack of willingness to engage in dialogue following the events at the last meeting of the ÖH Federal Representation led to an intolerable paralysis of the executive. Ultimately, it was no longer possible to criticize the government. ”When one is no longer allowed to point out grievances and the failures of the turquoise-green government, we, as FLÖ, can no longer be part of this executive," states Desmond Grossmann, until now ÖH Chair, clearly.
It pains us to have to end the coalition. However, under the given circumstances, we see this as the only way to continue working constructively for students at the federal level. As an opposition faction, together with the university representations, we will continue to fight to ensure that the interests of students are not buried under the rubble of party politics.
Over the past 9 years, we have advocated in the Executive for strong and student-friendly higher education legislation. Constructive cooperation with the Federal Ministry and other stakeholders was a major concern for us; nevertheless, we have always openly criticized their poor decisions and highlighted the grievances and their consequences in statements, press releases, and discussions. What was and remains especially important to us is the best possible representation of students at the local level. That is why we have organized countless training sessions for student representatives from all higher education sectors across Austria and continue to support them with advice and practical assistance beyond these events.
A big thank you goes to all volunteer staff members of our FLÖ family, who in recent years have represented the interests of all students to the best of their ability and will continue to act in the interest of students. We would also like to express our gratitude to the employees of the BV, who have supported us in our work and who represent the continuous cornerstone of the ÖH.