Controversial Higher-Education Reforms Spark Riots in Athens

Overview & Synopsis

This article discusses the Greek Parliament's controversial education bill passed recently that sparked riots and unrest in Athens. The government's controversial education package includes measures that would limit the number of years students can take to complete a university degree and would curtail university asylum laws. A separate proposal to alter the Constitution and allow the operation of private universities in Greece has also mobilized opponents, who believe the changes foreshadow a privatization of higher education and higher costs for students. The higher-education legislation prompted protests and have hampered the operations of universities across Greece, and opposition demonstrations and marches have become a regular occurrence. The government nonetheless won the passage of the bill and resulted to uncontrolled violence. Despite the spasm of violence, some academics and students expect that the finality of the vote will mean that Greece's beleaguered higher-education sector can now focus on the future.