Danish youth protest in Copenhagen against cuts to study grants

Several thousand young people are expected to protest in Copenhagen on Wednesday against the Danish government's proposal to cut study grants, a measure intended to fund defense efforts. The demonstration will begin at 12:30 p.m. in City Hall Square, and participants will march toward Parliament.

Eleven high school and student associations launched the protest under the slogan “Enough is enough.” The Federation of Danish High School Students estimates that approximately 10,000 young people will take part in the demonstration in the capital, while other actions are planned across the country. Approximately 30,000 high school students from 40 institutions have announced that they will skip classes.

The draft budget provides for the elimination of the public study allowance, known as SU, for students who live with their parents and whose parents have annual incomes exceeding €94,000. For families with incomes between €55,500 and €94,000, the amount would be reduced progressively. The government estimates that 14,000 students will lose the grant, while it will be reduced for another 8,000.

Introduced in 1970, SU is awarded regardless of parents’ income. Its value is approximately €152 for students living with their families and reaches €980 for those who have their own accommodation.

The government is also proposing to make unemployment benefits for graduates conditional on having worked for 18 months during the last 24 months of their studies. Organizers say they tried unsuccessfully to engage in dialogue with the government and insist that the protests will be peaceful. Copenhagen police have announced that they will maintain a visible presence.