A plan to improve Germany's universities could be derailed by one state's opposition.
Deutsche Welle reports that Hesse and its Christian Democratic premier, Roland Koch, say that the proposal would extend federal control over the state universities. Koch also argues that the federal government would cut construction aid to state universities so that increased federal aid would be a fiscal wash.
Under the plan, Germany would invest 1.9 billion euros ($2.45 billion) on 10 universities during the next six years with 75 percent of the money coming from the federal government. Universities would apply for grants to build up "centers of excellence."
Hannelore Kraft, education minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, said the other states should engage in "collective self-defense" and not allow Hesse to veto the plan.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
