BM 61 – Cuts on student grants undermine the right to education

MOTIVATION:

In an attempt to cut its budget deficit the Government of Cyprus proposed a decrease in student grants by 10%.
TEXT PROPOSAL:

The European Students’ Union (ESU) is deeply concerned about the government decision to cut the social transfers by 10 per cent in order to save 200 million euro and we condemn this decision. Cuts on student grants marks social insensitivity and lack of interest in enhancing the student population and undermines the right to education for everyone because it takes away financial support from many students. Students are a vulnerable group in society who need support in their endeavors for studying. With this measure, the Cypriot government is clearly prioritizing short-term gains and has not taken into account the dramatic effect this might have for the future of the island’s young people. The best way to address the economic crisis is investment in education, young people, citizens and competences.