ATHENS – Teachers’ unions and federations were demonstrating alongside university students in front of the Greek parliament on Thursday, protesting against the government’s intention to make the qualifications awarded by private colleges equal to university degrees.

The protest was organized in opposition to government plans to overhaul funding rules for state-run higher education institutions that include closing several university faculties.

The demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of the draft bill and of “punitive provisions” related to hiring state school teachers.

Gennimata: Gov’t discrediting public education and serving private interests

The government is discrediting public education and serving private interests, claimed Movement for Change (KINAL) leader Fofi Gennimata after a roll call vote in parliament on Thursday, which approved measures concerning the professional rights of private college teachers.

Gennimata said that the government is making university degrees equivalent to the qualifications awarded by private colleges, discrediting universities and the role of schools.

“New Democracy has no national plan on education. It is not interested in public education but serves private interests,” Gennimata said.