Violence erupts as Greek students protest legislation allowing foreign universities

Greek students clash with police and hurl petrol bombs in central Athens, protesting against legislation allowing foreign private universities to establish branches within the country

Tensions escalated in central Athens on Friday as Greek students clashed with police, hurling petrol bombs in protest against impending legislation set to permit foreign private universities to establish branches within the country.

The eruption of violence occurred mere hours before parliament convened to finalize the controversial bill, which has sparked widespread outcry among student communities. Thousands have taken to the streets in peaceful demonstrations over recent weeks, decrying the reforms as detrimental to the value of degrees conferred by public universities.

“We are scared that … if we do manage to graduate we’ll never be able to get a job anywhere,” expressed Stratos Katselis, 25, encapsulating the sentiments of many disillusioned students. “No young person today can make any kind of plan for the future. All we see are dead ends.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, advocating for the bill’s passage, emphasized its potential to reverse the trend of Greek students seeking education abroad, a phenomenon he attributed to the country’s enduring economic recovery from a decade-long financial crisis.

Mitsotakis, who secured a second term in office last June, touted the legislation as aligning Greece with European Union standards and fostering healthy competition within higher education.

The bill’s prospects for approval appear promising, as the conservative government commands a majority of 158 lawmakers in the 300-seat legislature.

“Parliament is not only called to vote on a pivotal bill but to approve a radical and courageous education reform for growth and social justice,” Mitsotakis asserted. “It will finally allow non-state, non-profitable institutions to operate in our country.”

However, the discontent among students, buoyed by support from certain educators and university staff, remains palpable. During Friday’s demonstration, a faction diverged from the peaceful protest, engaging in clashes with law enforcement. Reports indicated the use of tear gas by police to disperse the dissenters.

Source: Reuters