Viktor Orbán: Béla Merkely's departure symbolizes the destruction of higher education by the Tisza government

Béla Merkely's resignation as rector of Semmelweis University symbolizes the deterioration of higher education under the Tisza government, according to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's office. His departure is seen as a significant loss for Hungarian higher education, following other notable resignations. The ongoing reforms are believed to threaten the professional standards and international competitiveness of Hungarian universities. Students and faculty have protested against the foundation-based management system, while a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish these foundations is currently before parliament. Merkely resigned due to 'trust issues' amid allegations of conflicts of interest related to his son's company winning state contracts.