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Despite student protests, Greece approves the end of the state monopoly on university education.


Greek lawmakers approved sweeping university education reforms, breaking the state monopoly on higher education despite student protests. The bill passed with a vote of 159-129 after a night of demonstrations in central Athens. The reforms allow for privately-run universities, aiming to attract skilled workers back to Greece. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis supported the measure, emphasizing greater freedom and access to knowledge for Greek students. However, opposition parties argued that the reforms violate the constitution and could create a two-tier system for students.

The protests, which included violent clashes with police, were largely driven by left-wing student groups and critics who fear the privatization of education will harm public resources. While some private higher education already exists in Greece, the new law would make degrees from approved private institutions equivalent to those from public universities. Additionally, overseas universities would be allowed to open branches in Greece with non-profit status.

The reforms come as part of a series of changes undertaken by the Mitsotakis government, including legalizing same-sex marriage and introducing a postal vote for the upcoming European Parliament elections in June. The government’s actions have been met with mixed reactions, with supporters seeing progress and opponents concerned about the implications of privatization on education.

The education reforms in Greece have a long history of being politically charged, with university activism historically tied to pro-democracy movements. While the reforms aim to modernize education and attract skilled individuals, they have sparked controversy and protests among students and opposition parties.

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Photo credit www.euronews.com

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