Fidesz-KDNP members of the National Assembly, with the help of three independent MPs, voted in the law that transfers various state assets to “public interest asset management foundations,” removing the state’s oversight of hundreds of billions in public funds. The government’s official reasoning is to raise competitiveness and efficiency. However, the move raises a great deal of concerns as many fear Fidesz and Orbán want to put hands on state assets and build a deep state in an aim to keep wealth and influence for a long time, in addition to extending their ideological influence.
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Outsourcing of universities continues despite uncertainty
Hungary’s government has recently tabled the drafts about the transformation of several more universities. The reform involves huge changes, as the state withdraws from the direct supervision of higher education institutions and appoints foundations instead, meanwhile still providing the funds from the central budget. However, the scheme is still full of uncertainties, critical points, and lacks proper consultation and transparency, writes Ábrahám Vass for
Hungary Today.
The bills would add the Budapest Business School, the University of Debrecen, the University of Dunaújváros, the Hungarian Dance Academy, the University of Nyíregyháza, Óbuda University, the University of Pécs, Semmelweis University, the University of Szeged, and the University of Physical Education to the list of existing foundation universities from the autumn. In addition, the church (namely the Archdiocese of Eger) will take over the mainten
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Govt Submits Bills Placing Another Ten Unis with Foundations
The Innovation and Technology Ministry on Thursday said it submitted bills to parliament that would transform another ten universities from state-run institutions into ones operated by foundations.
The government has introduced the foundation model for universities with the aim of establishing a more flexible, more predictable operating environment, while boosting universities’ competitiveness.
The bills would add the Budapest Business School, the University of Debrecen, the University of Dunaújváros, the Hungarian Dance Academy, the University of Nyíregyháza, Óbuda University, the University of Pécs, Semmelweis University, the University of Szeged and University of Physical Education to the list of existing foundation universities from the autumn.
Higher Education Restructuring in Hungary Rolls on
The restructuring of Hungary’s higher education system continues. In the latest news, the government will introduce a brand new, three-pillar system for university funding, and some more universities announced their transition to the foundation-based model. The changes are, however, still contested by many.
As we previously reported, the government appointed Corvinus University (BCE) to serve as the pilot institution for the now ongoing process. Recently it was announced that more universities will follow BCE’s suit. Most of them reportedly made the decision and the transition without any major disruption or controversies.