Landrat BL Basel-Land Cantonal Council approves 298 million francs for the FHNW
On Thursday, the Basel-Landschaft cantonal parliament approved CHF 298 million and the performance mandate for the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). This is the canton's share of the global contribution for 2025-2028. The decision was made by 72 votes to 7 with 1 abstention.
26.09.2024, 11:42
SDA
The total global contribution amounts to CHF 995 million. In accordance with the state treaty between the sponsoring cantons, Basel-Stadt, Solothurn and Aargau are also participating in addition to the Basel region. The 2004 agreement will be renewed on January 1, 2025.
According to the contract key, the Basel region will pay 29.9% of the sponsorship contributions. Compared to the last performance mandate period, the contribution is CHF 27.2 million higher. The reasons for this are inflation, the further development of the FHNW and, above all, the growing number of students in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, for example at the Muttenz campus. "We have become victims of our own success," said Director of Education Monica Gschwind (FDP).
The cantonal council also took note of the new cantonal ownership strategy for the FHNW. This incorporates a motion by former cantonal councillor Klaus Kirchmayr (Greens) calling for more practical relevance in the teaching staff of the FHNW. The canton of Basel-Landschaft was able to negotiate the inclusion of the target that at least 75% of lecturers must have a minimum of five years' professional experience.
Parliament wants more practical relevance for lecturers
Contrary to the recommendation of the government and the committee, the SVP requested that this motion not be written off as having been fulfilled. Group spokesperson Caroline Mall found the requirement for the FHNW to be too non-binding. The SVP motion was also supported by other parliamentary groups. Gzim Hasanaj (Greens/EPP), for example, said that the FHNW should not become even more like the universities and should focus on its strength, its practical relevance. With 50 votes in favor, 28 against and 1 abstention, the cantonal parliament approved the motion.
The cantonal parliaments of Aargau and Solothurn have already approved their contributions to the FHNW. The Basel-Stadt cantonal parliament will decide in October.
