Tomorrow at Maximos: Government will hold a meeting on university security measures – Potential interventions under consideration

Tomorrow, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will hold a high-level meeting at Maximos Mansion to discuss enhancing security protocols at Greek universities. Present will be Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki, Deputy Minister for Higher Education Nikos Papaiōannou, and Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis.

This meeting comes in response to growing concerns following a violent incident during a student gathering at the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Mitsotakis is notably frustrated, viewing this event as a setback that reignites a sensitive issue for the government—university safety. He is determined to counter the notion that higher education institutions are “lawless zones,” especially at a time when campus occupations are not prevalent. Consequently, he has requested immediate proposals from the ministers and urged university rectors to take on their responsibilities.

The meeting’s agenda will cover several critical points. Officials acknowledge that the 2021 legal framework requiring universities to submit security plans to the Ministry of Education remains mostly unimplemented. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis confirmed today (via Action24) that the university police initiative has yet to be activated. Potential measures under consideration include increasing security personnel on campuses and expanding surveillance camera systems. The government is willing to allocate additional funds if needed, although sources indicate that many university rectors prefer to avoid direct confrontations with “troublemakers” to maintain “peace” within their institutions.

Disciplinary actions are also under consideration. Marinakis mentioned the possibility of expelling students involved in violent incidents, and linking university funding to compliance with the 2021 security regulations is being discussed. Government sources stress that the recent assault accentuates the urgent need to revise and strengthen existing policies to ensure the genuine safety of students, faculty, and the broader community on university campuses. The upcoming initiatives aim to tackle these concerns and restore safety and order across Greek universities.