George Papandreou Calls for Article 16 Reform, Rejects Profit‑Driven Universities

Former Greek prime minister George Papandreou addressed a symposium on education, urging a change to Article 16 of the Greek constitution. He argued that the article should protect non‑profit, non‑state universities and block the creation of profit‑making institutions owned by large companies or wealthy individuals.

Papandreou proposed that cooperatives, regional bodies, labor unions, chambers of commerce and other non‑profit entities be allowed to establish universities. He called for greater autonomy and accountability for public universities, saying they should serve society rather than become a commercial commodity. He warned that a rigid public system would be filled by commercial digital platforms offering personalized education that favors wealthy students.

He emphasized the need for “democratic schools” that foster critical thinking and civic responsibility, and stressed that knowledge is a common good that must not be turned into a profit‑driven market.