Student protests turned violent in Greece as riot police clashed with demonstrators ahead of a parliamentary vote on an education bill.
The police used tear gas and batons to push back the students, who responded by hurling stones and Molotov cocktails. At least eight people were injured and nine were arrested during the clashes.
The proposed bill seeks to make degrees from approved private institutions equivalent to public university diplomas, while also allowing foreign universities to open in Greece and charge tuition fees.
Thousands of students marched to parliament to protest against the reform, arguing that it would devalue public university degrees and divert funds away from public institutions. The government, however, believes the bill will enhance the international appeal of Greek public universities and introduce stricter regulations for private institutions.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the reform, stating that it would allow Greek students to study at international universities without leaving the country. The ruling majority is expected to carry the vote, but opposition parties have criticized the government for underfunding public universities and prioritizing profits for private institutions.
