Greek students while protesting in Athens |
Legislation proposed by the center-right New Democracy party, to be approved by parliament on Thursday, aims to reform the education system. The law plans to establish a special university police force authorized to guard campuses and arrest those considered troublemakers, as well as a "disciplinary council" capable of suspending or expelling students.
Supporters of the reform argue that Greek universities have long been ravaged by violence and those against it fear it will impede freedom of expression.
"The problem of violence in Greek universities is eternal. The police will expel extremist political groups and preserve the infrastructure, finally making the university a safe place," said a spokesman for the Ministry of Citizen Protection.