# Greek school textbook reform and controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-school-textbook-reform-and-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-04T05:40:32.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. The Greek Ministry of Education initiated a digital review process to allow citizens, parents, and educators to provide feedback on new primary and secondary school textbooks. This initiative is part of a transition to a multiple-textbook model, with mass distribution planned for September 2027. The printing project for 22.5 million copies involves an estimated €14.1 million budget. Following the release of excerpts, a significant political and social controversy emerged regarding the content of a 2nd-grade language textbook and a 6th-grade social and political education book. The materials, intended for the 2027-2028 school year, include illustrations and descriptions of families with two mothers or two fathers. In the 2nd-grade book, students are asked to identify family structures that resemble their own, while the 6th-grade book explicitly categorizes families by type, including a section for families with two parents of the same sex. The issue has caused internal friction within the ruling New Democracy party. Some government officials and MPs have expressed dissatisfaction, with some reportedly calling for the withdrawal of the books to avoid accusations of a ‘woke agenda.’ In response to the backlash, the Ministry of Education defended the materials, stating that the content is not a choice of political leadership but is evaluated by scientific committees through the Institute of Educational Policy. The Ministry emphasized that the evaluation process is based on “scientific and pedagogical criteria” rather than the personal judgment of the Minister. While Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki has defended the institutional approval process, high-profile figures such as government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis have distanced themselves from the controversy, denying the existence of a ‘woke agenda.’ ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Greece school textbooks spark political controversy over family depictions Greek school textbooks depicting same-sex parents have sparked political debate, prompting the Ministry of Education to defend the scientific evaluation process amid internal government friction. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-school-textbooks-spark-debate-over-family-depictions ### 2026-08-28: Greece launches public review process for new school textbooks Greece has launched a digital platform for parents and teachers to review new school textbooks for primary and secondary levels ahead of their September 2027 distribution. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-launches-public-review-process-for-new-school-textbooks --- Cite as: Greek school textbook reform and controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-school-textbook-reform-and-controversy