Greek lawmakers have passed extensive reforms in university education that aim to dismantle the state monopoly on higher education, a move that has sparked protests from students.
Before the early Saturday vote, which extended past midnight following a commencement on Friday evening, demonstrators clashed with police near the parliament in Athens. The protest, attended by around 18,000 individuals, saw acts of violence such as hurling petrol bombs and firecrackers at law enforcement officers.
Law enforcement authorities responded by arresting three suspected rioters and deploying tear gas against a few violent protesters. According to a police report, the confrontations resulted in injuries to nine civilians and seven officers.
Despite persistent student-led demonstrations, including the occupation of numerous university buildings, public sentiment, as indicated by polls, leans towards supporting the establishment of privately-managed universities.
The legislation, approved by a 159-129 vote in the 300-seat parliament, faced a brief delay in the announcement of results due to three lawmakers from a leftist party who opted to scrutinize the draft law extensively before casting their votes.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of the reform in attracting skilled professionals back to Greece, advocating for increased academic freedom and accessibility for Greek students.
While the rally on Friday witnessed a predominantly peaceful gathering of students, it also drew participation from pro-Palestinian activists and participants commemorating International Women’s Day.
Critics of the bill, primarily opposition parties, raised concerns about its constitutionality and the potential emergence of a two-tier education system. The government’s push for privatization has been met with skepticism, with protesters highlighting the escalating cost of living and stagnant wages.
The new law aims to elevate accredited private institutions to the status of public universities, enabling overseas universities to establish branches in Greece under a non-profit framework, albeit with tuition fees.
Amid ongoing reforms by the Mitsotakis administration, including the legalization of a postal vote for the upcoming European Parliament elections, the education sector remains a focal point of contention, reflecting the intricate political landscape in Greece.