FREE SZFE
Ignoring the demonstrations and modification proposals of the students, the Hungarian government voted the transformation of the University of Theatre and Film Arts on the 3rd of July in 2020. According to the new model, the owner of the university is no longer the state, but a private foundation close to the Fidesz government. Most of the professors (appreciated both in Hungary and internationally) claimed that they did not want to cooperate with the new leadership, and submitted their resignation. They made it clear for the students, that they need to take more radical steps to preserve the institution’s 155-year autonomy. Students organized a demonstration and announced the occupation of the university. The blockade was maintained for 71 days, while students declined the new leadership to enter the building despite their constant threatenings. Over the more than two months, they organized numerous protests and events not only around the campus but throughout the entire capital. However, their demands for university autonomy were not heard. The blockade was finally ended due to the intensifying COVID-19 pandemic.