The National Union of Romanian Students (UNSR) sends an open letter to the Romanian Government as a „cry of revolt” against the „lengthy reforms and adjustments.”
UNSR representatives tell the government that they are mocking students and, implicitly, the future of the country. „Your interest in young people is minimal. Leaving the country: the only solution that you actually encourage,” states the open letter of Romanian students.
They also reproach the Government for eliminating free transportation, except for the route to and from home to the university, the low level of scholarships at the "bottom of the priorities," and the real costs for food and accommodation, which are "the recipe for student dropout."
Finally, the students threaten to rise up. "When we raise our voice – and we will! – it will not be just an occasional protest. It will be a clear sign that we are fed up."
"In 2025, forcing students to stand in endless lines, submit documents, and endure an absurd bureaucratic process is a clear sign of your lack of vision. Either you don't care, or you are completely detached from reality. We don't know which is worse," say the students.
In the same document, students reproach the government for keeping scholarships "always at the bottom of the priorities," and the real costs for food and accommodation represent "the recipe for student dropout."
Scholarships have remained at a derisory level, failing to keep pace with rising prices. Students barely manage to pay their rent, utilities, food, and everything else. (...). According to an analysis conducted by our federation, a student spends an average of 900 lei per month just on food, based on canteen prices (about 15 lei/meal, three times a day, over 20 university days). This amount is added to 250 lei for a dorm room (the national average). So just for food and accommodation, we are already talking about 1,150 lei per month.
On the other hand, the social scholarship amounts to only 925 lei, less than basic expenses. Are you expecting us to somehow manage and be 'grateful' for an amount that doesn't even cover the bare necessities?
Students' needs do not stop at food and accommodation – we add transportation, study materials, and other basic expenses. Under these conditions, it's no wonder that many young people give up on college or leave the country for good," the document further states.
UNSR representatives also reproach the government for considering emigration as the "only solution," which they actually encourage.
"Through your measures, you send a message to young people: 'Do you want to live decently? Buy a plane ticket and leave!' We are talking about a 'brain drain' that you, through your decisions, fuel. Romania loses valuable workforce, ideas, and innovation – essential elements for the future of a country that ironically claims economic growth," the students state.
"Remember one thing: students know how to rise up!"
UNSR representatives also demand transparency, equity, and respect.
"Do not forget that today's student will be tomorrow's taxpayer and, yes, voter. If you claim that we are the future, then start treating us as such and allocate real resources to support us. Otherwise, when more and more young people and their families take the path to the airport, do not be surprised when you are left to vote for and praise each other.
Romania will lose, and you will be directly responsible. And remember one thing: students know how to rise up! When we raise our voice – and we will! – it will not be just an occasional protest. It will be a clear sign that we are fed up. Not today, not tomorrow... but the moment when all of us say 'Stop!' to ignorance and injustice is fast approaching! With much 'love,' the National Union of Romanian Students (UNSR).
The students' letter ends with a P.S.: "This is not a whim but a cry of revolt. If you ignore us, do not be surprised when the consequences are seen at the polls and in the country's long-term economy."