In a late-night session, Greek lawmakers passed significant reforms aimed at ending the state’s monopoly on university education, a move that sparked vehement opposition from left-wing student groups.
Despite widespread protests and clashes between demonstrators and police outside parliament, the bill received approval, marking a significant departure from the longstanding tradition of state-controlled higher education in Greece.
The vote, which followed weeks of student-led demonstrations and occupations of university buildings, resulted in a 159-129 majority in favor of the reforms. While some opposition parties criticized the legislation, arguing that it could lead to a two-tier education system, the government defended the reforms as necessary to attract skilled workers back to Greece.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the decision as a step towards greater freedom and accessibility to education for Greek students, emphasizing the need for reform in the country’s higher education sector.
The reform allows for the establishment of privately-run universities and grants equivalence to degrees from vetted private institutions. Additionally, overseas universities will be permitted to open branches in Greece, albeit under a non-profit status, despite the imposition of tuition fees.
While the government views the reforms as a means to modernize and improve the quality of higher education, critics argue that privatization could undermine the accessibility and affordability of education, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.
Despite the passage of the bill, opposition to the reforms remains strong, with ongoing concerns about their constitutionality and potential implications for students. The contentious nature of education reforms in Greece underscores the broader societal divisions and challenges facing the country.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Guardian
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