ATHENS: Greek students clashed with police in Athens Friday as thousands protested a controversial bill on private universities, which they say will favour the rich.
Riot police fired tear gas and used batons to keep students away from parliament ahead of a vote on the bill.
Some protesters hurled stones and Molotov cocktails and setting bins on fire. Media reported that at least eight people had been injured and nine arrested.
The proposed measure will make degrees from approved private institutions equivalent to public university diplomas. The bill will also allow foreign universities to open in Greece using a non-profit status despite charging tuition fees.
Police said around 17,000 people marched to parliament in central Syntagma Square for the latest in weeks of student protests against the reform. Organisers put the turnout at 30,000.
“No to education for the few and chosen, free education for all,” many chanted.
Demonstrator Iraklis Marinopoulos, 19, said the reform would “undermine” public university degrees and threaten regional colleges in smaller Greek cities.
“Wealthier students will be able to enrol with lower grades. They will just pay and obtain a degree,” he told AFP.
Athina, a 20-year-old engineering student, said private institutions would eat into the meagre funds for public universities and devalue public university degrees.
The government says the new bill will enable Greek public universities to enter into partnerships with foreign academic institutions, improving their international appeal.
It has also said it will introduce stricter rules for private institutions.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament the reform would enable Greek students “to study at international universities without leaving home”.
It was “a step that opens new horizons to the new generation,” he argued. – AFP
