Študentje zasedajo Akademijo za likovne umetnosti.

Student protesters have occupied the auditorium of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, demanding better funding for universities and the abolition of tuition fees. The demonstration comes amid ongoing budget negotiations involving higher education institutions, with students warning that proposed cuts could lead to fewer classes, reduced offerings, and deteriorating study conditions. The occupation began on Thursday evening, with around nine individuals planning to stay overnight in the hall. Protesters filled the space with cushions, blackboards, and banners displaying their demands. Among them was Ertuğrul Bayraktar, president of the student union at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, who emphasized that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of social background. He stated that education represents the future and progress, and that tuition fees should be abolished rather than increased. Students argue that many are forced to work while studying, leaving little time for academic pursuits. They also criticize early segregation in the school system, which they claim makes university education unattainable for children from less privileged families. Higher tuition fees would exacerbate these inequalities, leading more students to abandon or avoid higher education altogether. The protesters issued a statement calling for increased financial support for universities and the removal of tuition fees. They stressed that education should not be a privilege reserved for children from wealthy families. Their message was clear: access to education must be expanded to include children from non-privileged households and working-class families. The protest has drawn attention to broader concerns about the accessibility of higher education in Austria. Students highlighted the need for affordable and inclusive learning opportunities, arguing that current policies risk excluding large segments of the population from university life. During the demonstration, tensions briefly arose when one protester accused Der Standard newspaper of fascist reporting on Israel. The individual, wearing a kufiya, a traditional headscarf, argued against the presence of journalists, though other students present did not share this view and welcomed media coverage. The incident underscored the diversity of perspectives among the protesters, even as their primary focus remained on educational policy. As the situation unfolds, authorities and university officials have yet to respond formally to the occupation. The protesters remain in the auditorium, continuing to prepare for an extended stay.