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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered an ultimatum to university rectors during their meeting at Maximou Mansion. A significant topic on the agenda was campus security, with Mitsotakis warning of sanctions that could lead to their removal from office if they do not fulfill their duties.
“Sanctions are forthcoming and may include disqualification for those rectors and administrations that fail to meet their responsibilities,” the Prime Minister emphasized, insisting on the necessity for a safe environment in educational institutions. “Knowledge entails freedom, which in turn demands legitimacy,” he added.
“We cannot accept a situation where any student or faculty member feels threatened by intimidation or violence,” he stated, underscoring that a true academic atmosphere requires a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect.
Over 48 squats dismantled and more than 500 arrests made
Mitsotakis noted that since taking office in 2019, the government has reinstated academic asylum, “putting an end to a misunderstanding of its true meaning.”
“To date, 48 occupations have been cleared, and over 500 individuals have been arrested for turning academic institutions into shelters for criminal activities,” he explained. The government’s proactive measures aim to rectify a situation that has developed over decades. “The belief that nothing has changed is inaccurate and undervalues the efforts made,” he remarked.
Instead, Mitsotakis argued that legitimacy is emerging as students, professors, and administrators take charge of their daily environments, with society actively demanding law enforcement—an expectation the government considers non-negotiable.
Legislative interventions: Ten key points
The Prime Minister announced that detailed legislative interventions, comprising ten key points, will be revealed through Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki to enhance the already robust legal framework.
“Continuous assessment of our government’s performance, along with that of the judiciary, police, and university administration, requires us to regularly evaluate and improve our measures. We aim to address any gaps that fail to align rights with responsibilities, as well as sanctions,” he stated. “Each of us must fulfill our responsibilities, and when we fall short, appropriate accountability and penalties must follow.”
Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of the meeting, highlighting that a stable university environment is crucial for its development.
Requests from the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister urged rectors to submit a clear plan for updating security measures at their institutions within the next two months.
He also called for the development of by-laws by 2025 and the creation of sector-specific disciplinary boards to enforce automatic penalties for rule violations.
Students charged with criminal offenses may face sanctions resulting in a suspension of their student status for up to 24 months.
Nationwide oversight by Supreme Court prosecutor
To expedite the processing of violence-related cases in universities, a Deputy Prosecutor from the Supreme Court will be appointed for nationwide oversight. Similar to schools, the responsibility for restitution will fall on offenders, not the Greek taxpayer.
The government aims to enhance safety measures and regulate access to educational facilities, with police support when necessary. All incidents will be documented in the National Violence Watch of the Ministry.
“Effective planning requires a culture of prevention and zero tolerance. Minorities can no longer engage in violence on campuses. Where laws are broken, immunity cannot exist. This is a clear mandate… Everyone must contribute. This is an opportunity that we cannot afford to overlook,” he concluded.
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