It’s time to reform Higher Education in Greece.

Liberal Alliance press release 19 May 08

Liberal Alliance (Greek Liberals) opposes and protests against the 'closure and occupation' of Greek Universities, as this is one more step to the disintegration of Higher Education in Greece.

Liberal Alliance considers the previous law where Student Unions could practically choose the University authorities, without consulting the students, were empowering beyond any reason, Student activists to endorse any lecturer in exchange for benefits and privileges.

Political Student Unions who oppose the free election of University authorities, prove their totalitarian culture and that their main goal is to protect their own privileges in controlling universities.

The imposition of a climate of fear and violence against students, lecturers, administration personnel, has resulted in the slow death of the Greek Universities . Whilst the services offered by the Greek Universities plunge in new depths, their cost at the tax payers expense is increasing more and more.

Liberal Alliance believes the situation can be reversed, only if radical reforms are implemented, which will enhance the competition among Greek universities. The reforms Liberal Alliance proposes can be implemented immediately as they are in accordance with Article 16 of Greek constitution (which still wrongfully mandates that Higher Education should be provided exclusively by the State). In particular Liberal Alliance proposes:

1. The establishment of economic and administrative independence for University and Colleges and the granting of freedom to choose the contents of their educational program and set their charter. Every College or University should be free to cooperate with other foreign educational organization or private organization and accept donations.

2. The freedom for every student to choose the institution he wants to study.

3. Replacing the unaccountable and obscure manner of current financing of the Universities, with paying the Universities in accordance with the number of students that wish to study at it. It is estimated that the cost of 'free education in Greece' is 4,000 euros per year. Any Universities or Colleges not preferred by students (perhaps because lefty student militants have shut them down or are interrupting classes) will be deprived of funds and they will be forced to merge with successful institutions.

Liberal Alliance proposals for Higher Education in Greece are addressed to Mr. Stylianidis (Minister of Education in Greece) and members of the Greek Parliament. They are also addressed to Greek taxpayers, who do not accept the waste of public money and demand decent higher education and a better future for their children.