Danish students demand government reverse plan to slash stipends for 14,000 graduates

The Danish government proposes ending automatic student stipends for approximately 14,000 young adults and reducing payments for another 8,000 to fund defense spending. This move targets the universal allowance system established in 1970, which has provided monthly cash to students regardless of family income.

On Monday, up to 13,000 students marched from Copenhagen's city hall square to parliament. The demonstration coincided with a strike involving roughly 40,000 students at 57 schools across the country. Organizers labeled the event "Enough is Enough" to mark the latest chapter in European youth unrest over education costs.

Under the current rules, students living with parents receive 1,154 Danish kroner, or $173, per month. Those living independently receive 7,426 kroner, equivalent to $1,116. The new plan would eliminate benefits for students whose parents earn more than 700,000 kroner, or $105,248, annually. Only families with incomes between 419,589 kroner and 700,000 kroner would remain eligible, with payments scaled down as parental income rises.

Martin Lidegaard, the Industry Minister and leader of the Social Liberal Party, described the cuts as "not pleasant decisions." The proposal also introduces a work requirement for recent graduates seeking unemployment benefits. These individuals must have worked during 18 of the last 24 months of their studies to qualify for support.

Oscar Tonsberg Hoffmann, president of the Danish High School Students Association, told AFP that dismantling the system would be wrong. He noted that Denmark takes pride in its economic support for education and called it one of the world's strongest educational systems.

Kieran Hindshaw, a 23-year-old agronomy student, expressed frustration that a government including left-wing parties is cutting welfare while funding corporate tax reductions. He said, "I'm infuriated.. we get cuts to our welfare and to the economies of young people whilst they're funding corporate tax reductions and warfare."

Police maintained a heavy presence in Copenhagen as crowds chanted "Broken Promises." Protesters held signs reading "Save SU" and "Don't Cheat the Young." The Higher Education Ministry confirmed the projected numbers for those losing or seeing reduced stipends under the new framework.