Private universities can now be opened in Greece

A new bill that will allow the opening of private universities in Greece has been approved in parliament.

The bill, which will permit the establishment of private universities in the country, was passed with 159 votes in favor in the 300-seat parliament, despite protests held across the country against the bill for 9 weeks.

The bill was supported by 158 deputies from the ruling New Democracy Party and one independent deputy.

While 299 deputies participated in the vote, 129 of the deputies voted "no" to the bill. 11 deputies abstained.

In a protest held today in the capital Athens against the bill, thousands of people had demanded that the bill be withdrawn.

8 people were injured in clashes between police and protesters in front of the parliament building.

While protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the police, the police responded with tear gas.

Until today, the opening of private universities was not permitted in Greece. Diplomas from educational institutions operating at the higher education level under the name "college" were not recognized in the country.

News Source: AA