Greek lawmakers approve ending state monopoly on university education, despite student protests

By DEREK GATOPOULOS and SRDJAN NEDELJKOVIC
Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek lawmakers have approved sweeping reforms that will end the state monopoly on university education. That breaks what powerful left-wing student groups have long regarded as a major taboo. Hours before the vote, protesters attacked police outside parliament with petrol bombs and firecrackers as thousands demonstrated in central Athens against the proposed legislation. Opinion polls indicate that most Greeks agree with the creation of privately-run universities. The center-right government has argued that the reform would help attract skilled workers back to the country. Opposition parties say it could create a two-tier system for students.