Sofia Voultepsi sparks controversy over teacher shortage comments

Sofia Voultepsi, a Member of Parliament for the New Democracy party, has sparked significant controversy following comments regarding teacher shortages in Greek schools. During a television discussion on the OPEN network, Voultepsi addressed the ongoing issue of school vacancies and the heavy reliance on substitute teachers. She suggested that one reason for the unpredictable staffing needs is that “on the first day of school, half of the pregnant women appear.”

The statement drew sharp criticism from opposition parties. PASOK described the remark as “unacceptable and offensive,” arguing that the responsibility for school vacancies lies with the Ministry of Education’s inability to effectively plan and manage staffing, rather than with pregnant teachers or those on medical leave. PASOK noted that while approximately 30,000 substitute positions are planned for the first phase, the actual need approaches 50,000.

The Greek Left Coalition (EL.A.S.) also condemned the remarks, calling on the government to take the issue seriously. Spokesperson Theoni Koufonikolakou stated that teachers should not be blamed for choosing to have children, attributing the systemic issues to insufficient permanent appointments, bureaucracy, and the underfunding of the education sector.