Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis has admitted that the “university police” initiative has failed. He also suggested that students who take part in criminal acts should be removed from university, disregarding the fact that the right to education – even under electronic monitoring – remains protected by law, including for those in custody.

In a televised interview, Marinakis said: “As it was designed, it wasn’t right to implement it. These individuals weren’t wasted – they were reassigned to other services.” Speaking on Action24, he openly acknowledged the failure of the university police scheme, which had faced widespread opposition, particularly from student movements who condemned it as an attack on academic freedom and a violation of university asylum.

Shifting the discussion, Marinakis brought up two recent incidents: the police clearing of the student-occupied space “Steki Fysikou” at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on 30 April, and an attack at the Athens Law School by unidentified individuals on 1 May. He appeared to equate the two, saying:

“These criminals are in major institutions in Athens and Thessaloniki – some are students, some are not – so their actions must be dealt with by regular police forces.”

He went on to say, “As a government, we have no problem admitting when we’ve made mistakes,” proudly adding that, for the first time in decades, there are no active student occupations in Greek universities.

Blames the Left for campus lawlessness

Marinakis argued that the university police were unarmed and not equipped to handle serious crimes like the one at the Law School, which he labelled “a major offence”. He called for new security protocols to be developed within universities, including a review of compliance by institutions, increased use of private security, surveillance cameras, and stricter control of campus entry points – a proposal that raises concerns about a more authoritarian approach under the current government.

He further criticised parts of the political spectrum, particularly the Left and Centre-Left, accusing them of having supported or turned a blind eye to what he described as “toxic minorities” – both students and outsiders – whose unlawful actions have, in his view, tainted the reputation of Greek universities.

In a punitive tone, Marinakis said he hoped those involved in the attack on the Law School would face exemplary punishment under the new Penal Code, stressing, “A crime should be called a crime. For years, no one spoke about criminals – instead, we had protests in defence of university asylum.”

Calls for stricter disciplinary measures

He concluded by stressing the need for a tough new disciplinary framework, saying:

“If someone is arrested for actions like those at the Law School, I don’t believe they should be allowed to remain a student. Beyond criminal penalties, there should also be disciplinary consequences.”

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.