On May 19, Tuesday, mass mobilizations were carried out across Greece by thousands of teachers and students protesting the conservative New Democracy (ND)-led government’s flawed educational policies. Protesters raised concerns about a new education bill proposed by the government.
Calls for the mobilization were given by various teachers unions, university associations and student groups across the country. Protesters marched up to the Greek parliament in Athens to voice their opposition to the bill.
902.gr reported that rallies also held in cities like Thessaloniki, Lemos, Kozani, Preveza, Ptolemaida, Pyrgos, Ioannina, Igoumenitsa, Kalamata, Corfu, Zakynthos, Corinth, and Xanthi.
Greek minister for education Niki Kerameos presented the new bill for public consultation on April 23 and amendments were finalized by May 20. The bill calls for drastic changes from the kindergarten level to the university level. It includes proposals to increase the maximum number of students per department in primary and kindergartens schools. Critics have said it will lead to the further devaluation of the role and pedagogical responsibility of the teacher, and will increase class barriers to education.
Protesters claimed that the new bill proposed by the ND government will reportedly put a break on students’ studies at the Vocational Lycenes (EPAL). Critics have also raised concern regarding the proposal for the installation of security cameras in classrooms in schools across Greece.
The All Workers Militant Front (PAME) expressed solidarity with the mobilization on Tuesday. Teachers associations affiliated with PAME actively participated in the protests.
