Protests Erupt at Frankfurt's Goethe University Over Major Education Cuts and Restructuring

Around 300 employees, students, and professors protested at Goethe University in Frankfurt against a new package of cuts that will see the university completely restructured within five years. The plan includes axing approximately 60 out of 600 professorships, halving the number of faculties, and closing several institutes. These cuts are a direct result of reductions decided last year by Hesse's state Science Minister and State Premier, outlined in the 'Hesse Higher Education Pact 2026–2031,' which provides for budget cuts of €30 million for 2026 alone. The university has already reduced study places by 455 for the current winter semester.