Why the fire sirens went off at the University of Western Brittany in Brest

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1:29 p.m. this Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Brest. All fire sirens of the University of Western Brittany (UBO) were triggered at the same time, for five minutes, in more than 80 buildings, in Brest but also in Quimper, Morlaix and in the training sites of the INSPÉ (National Higher Institute of teaching and education) of Brittany).

The fire in establishments? Not strictly speaking. All components of the university had been warned in advance. The firefighters were therefore not called.

Quite simply because the UBO had decided, in this national mobilization day of France Universitiesplaced under the sign Budget 2025, Universities in dangerof sound the alarm once again “in order to raise awareness among as many people as possible, including the elected representatives of the Nation, on the financial difficulties that many universities face. » Including the UBO, as Pascal Olivard, its president, explained to us a few weeks ago.

The action resulted, among other things, in a walkout of 31 minutes.

A brief but powerful moment

“A brief moment, but strong enough for it to have someimpact», as Pascal Olivard wished, “in order not to disrupt too much the collective organization of the university and in particular the holding of teaching and examinations”.

Which recalled “that after many years of state underfunding for 2024, the UBO will be in accounting deficitto the tune of 4.5 million euros. When the 2025 forecast shows a deficit of 7.2 million euros. » While being formal: “Without support from the State, this situation will lead the Ministry to force us to develop a plan to return to financial balance. In other words, to establish a drastic savings plan . »

“I will fight tirelessly”

And the president affirmed: “Our community will not be able to support a new plan to return to balance. We therefore ask the State to support its universities by allocating them means to meet their needs. »

Pascal Olivard promised: “In my capacity as president, I reaffirm that I I will fight tirelessly with my team so that we can lead our missionspublic service teaching and research at the tip of Brittany, at the service of the territory and its youth. »

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