On Thursday, over 15,000 demonstrators congregated in central Athens to express their opposition to the conservative government’s plans in Greece, which involve permitting private universities in the country from next year. The majority of the protesters, primarily comprised of young individuals, gathered outside the main University of Athens building, chanting “hands off education.” A large protest banner suspended above the entrance conveyed the message “Their Profits or Our Education.”
The government aims to enable foreign universities to establish branches in Greece, operating within the national exam system for student candidates. Although these branches would charge fees, they would function as non-profit entities. Critics argue that this move could undermine public universities, many of which are already grappling with funding challenges, jeopardizing the accessibility of higher education for future undergraduate students.
Various student protest groups have coordinated multiple demonstrations across Greek cities and taken over numerous university faculty buildings, resulting in the relocation of classes and exams to online platforms. The education bill is anticipated to undergo a parliamentary vote at the end of the month.
Source: PTI
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