Copenhagen:Thousands of Danish students have taken to the streets to protest against proposed cuts to their monthly grants, which are part of a government plan to redirect funds toward defense spending. The protests come as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's center-left coalition aims to meet NATO commitments by increasing defense expenditure.

According to Anadolu Agency, more than 13,000 students marched from City Hall Square in Copenhagen to the Danish parliament with the slogan "Enough is Enough," while nearly 50,000 students walked out of classes at 61 high schools nationwide. The proposed cuts would affect approximately 22,000 students, with 14,000 losing their grants entirely and another 8,000 receiving reduced amounts, as estimated by the Ministry of Higher Education.

The student allowance, known as SU, has been a cornerstone of Denmark's welfare system since 1970. Under the current system, eligible students living with parents receive a basic monthly grant, which varies based on parental income. The proposed changes would see the allowance eliminated for students whose parents earn over 700,000 kroner annually, while maintaining or tapering it for other income brackets.

Students like Vivi, an 18-year-old university student, express frustration over the cuts, citing a breach of trust by politicians who have acknowledged the challenges faced by young people during the pandemic. The sentiment is echoed by Christian Mundus, another university student, who sees the grant as a crucial safety net amid growing uncertainty about the future.

The government justifies the cuts as necessary to bolster Denmark's defense capabilities in light of the Russia-Ukraine war. The proposed budget would allocate significant resources to defense and preparedness, while also aiming to reduce corporate tax rates to enhance competitiveness.

Student representatives, including Julie Olesen of the Student Council in Aarhus, have voiced their disappointment, citing broken promises by parties they had relied on to protect student allowances. Organizers, such as Anton Stubbe Teglbjerg, are urging the government to abandon the cuts before budget negotiations conclude, warning of potential political repercussions if student concerns are ignored.