At the University of Mozartstadt

Only 21: Salzburg student applies for rector’s job

Simon Kern with his 20-point plan

(Bild: NEOS/Moritz Rettenbacher)

A 21-year-old law student wants to use his candidacy to draw attention to the shortcomings at Salzburg's Paris Lodron University. According to the announcement, nothing speaks against his candidacy.

Although Simon Kern is a law student, at the age of 21 the representative of the Young Liberal Students (JUNOS) is still one of the academic greenhorns. This does not stop the native of Lower Austria from running for the position of Rector of the University of Salzburg. Paris Lodron University has been without a leader since October 1. The search for a new boss is known to have ended in chaos.

"The whole process is a farce. We students can do better than that," says Kern, who has submitted his application documents to the university. Kern has enclosed a 20-point plan in which he demands, for example, a library with 24-hour access, many courses during the vacations and more student residences to alleviate rental costs.

Kern's chances of getting the job are close to zero. "I want to make it to the hearing, make a statement," says Kern.