SZFE leadership: Classes may resume as of Feb. 1

Classes at Budapest’s University of Theatre and Film Arts (SZFE) may resume from Feb. 1, if all necessary conditions are in place, the supervisory board of the foundation overseeing the university said in a statement on Wednesday, asking the institution’s employees and students for cooperation.

SZFE’s new leadership which took over on Sept. 1 ordered the termination of education at the university until Feb. 1 early last month, citing unsuitable conditions for continuing classes, enforcing and protecting student rights and ensuring academic autonomy. The decision came in response to actions by students and employees at SZFE.

SZFE’s previous senate and leadership announced their resignation on Aug. 31, saying the foundation that took over the university on Sept. 1 under a government decree had deprived them of “all essential powers”.

The university’s employees went on strike and students mounted a blockade at SZFE’s buildings in protest against a new leadership they saw as illegitimate.

The blockade however had to stop later in compliance with new restrictions against the coronavirus epidemic.