Aris Prevost, Socialist Students candidate for Cardiff student union president
Cardiff University has been rocked by cuts. This was the dominant issue for most students in the election.
Every single candidate ran in some way against the cuts. But many did not explain why this is happening, or give a socialist explanation with practical steps to both fight back against the cuts and improve students’ lives. Our manifesto linked the practical policies students are fighting for with socialist demands.
As part of the campaign, I appeared on Xpress Cardiff radio for a 30-minute interview. This was a great chance to spread a socialist platform and get our voice heard. It was the first time I had done something like that.
While every candidate got grilled on our views, I think that I came out looking good. Even our current student union president complimented my performance. If that means anything!
I did not win. But I am not disheartened.
The people we did reach, either through coursemates or Instagram, resonated with the points we put forward. These ideas have traction, and do stick with people.
While we didn’t win the campaign for student union president, we have a broader movement in Cardiff University fighting back against the cuts. We can use this experience to fight for students and staff, and for a free education for all.
