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Senior team resigns with board of trustees assuming main institutional powers
Leaders of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest have resigned in protest over a loss of autonomy, after learning that control was being transferred to a board of trustees tied to Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán.
Rector László Upor, his deputy, and heads of two of the university’s three institutes resigned on 31 August, following the earlier departure of the third institute head, the news site Euractiv reported.
The leaders reportedly stepped down when they learned that the university’s recently formed board of trustees would take over powers including appointing a rector and instructors and approving the launch of new classes.
The board is led by Attila Vidnyánszky, the director of Hungary’s National Theatre and an Orbán ally, according to Euractiv.
A spokesperson for the university told Research Professional News the report was accurate and described the events as “sad” but did not offer further comment.
The Hungarian government did not respond to a request for comment.