ELTE faces financial crisis and wage disputes during academic opening

During the academic year opening at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Prime Minister Péter Magyar acknowledged that the institution has operated under significant financial hardship and amidst political criticism. While expressing respect for the university's resilience, the Prime Minister did not commit to specific wage increases in the current budget draft.

ELTE Rector Lénárd Darázs described the university's financial situation as “catastrophic,” noting that state universities are being outpaced by foundation-run universities and even high schools in terms of compensation. The Rector warned of a mass exodus of staff due to unsustainable pay scales.

Following the senate meeting, Anikó Gregor of the Higher Education Workers' Union presented a document to the Prime Minister detailing the wage gap. The union reported that 60 percent of staff earn less than the average income of a primary school teacher. They emphasized that current budget proposals lack the necessary funds to bring state university wages in line with foundation-run institutions and called for an immediate sectoral wage scale.