Greek PM on education reforms: We are expanding the power of Public universities

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to the proposed changes brought about by the draft law of the Ministry of Education to university institutions in Parliament.

The prime minister began his speech by condemning the arson attack on the Real media group, and expressing his outrage.

Afterwards, Mr. Mitsotakis noted that with the draft law on education, all of the government’s program commitments for Education are completed.

He noted that, with the changes promoted, there will be a connection of studies with employment, thus expanding, as he said, the power of the Public University.

The prime minister argued that the draft law has been embraced by the majority of the higher education community.

Post-graduate studies

Referring to post-graduate studies, he underlined that the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) will define tuition fees and sources of funding as well as the lecturers, while he noted that in the final stage of studies, the institution of “industrial doctorates” will be introduced from now on.

In fact, the prime minister underlined that 35 million euros will be allocated from the Recovery Fund to cover three-year industrial doctorates.

Regarding the changes in the administration of the HEIs, he emphasized that this is the first step with the aim of stopping “cut to measure” post notifications. “Merit filters are introduced that ensure the integrity of the process,” noted the PM.

Barbs against SYRIZA

The prime minister then launched a scathing attack on main opposition SYRIZA against the backdrop of the massive establishment of departments by the previous government. As he pointed out, departments were established by the previous SYRIZA government without a plan. ”

Public institutions at the forefront

The PM stressed that the bill prioritizes public education, expanding the power of the public university, leading higher education to reconnect with its core principles. The prime minister noted that “the demands of Greek society are echoed by the articles of the bill, hence their appeal transcends party boundaries, hence the largest part of the university community has embraced the bill, with most agreeing with the Greek “Erasmus”, and the establishment of the internship initiative.

Public universities in a global orbit

The public university is now entering a global trajectory, creating more complete scientists, said the prime minister, noting that students should not see HEIs as degree awarding machines with no impact on the labor market.