GSb is participating in university elections again after ten years: ‘It just has to be more democratic’

The Groningen Student Union (GSb) will participate in the university elections again next Monday, for the first time in ten years. According to the union, the university is not democratic enough.

Students and staff have less and less say at the university, says the GSb. The student union cites as an example the introduction of the new protest rules, which, according to several factions in the university council, were implemented without the consent of the body.

This must change, says GSb chairman Ken Hesselink: “The GSb wants to create a large network in the faculties again so that students have a stronger voice. Many university parties are too isolated from each other and we are going to change that.”

Ten years ago, the GSb was the largest party at both Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen. The union was also represented in all faculty councils. However, after an argument between the factions and the board, there was a split, after which the GSb started to focus more on trade union tasks. Fractions continued under different names, such as Lijst Sterk, the current largest party in the Hanseatic League.

The first steps in the return to the GSb elections are being taken at the faculties of law, social sciences and arts, where candidates are participating. The union hopes to expand in the coming years.