PASOK education reform and university legal crisis

In mid‑July 2026, the PASOK‑Movement of Change party presented a six‑point education reform plan. The programme called for higher teacher salaries and contracts, a unified full‑day school curriculum, extra funding for disadvantaged areas, a national diploma to replace exams, stronger public universities, and the creation of non‑profit, non‑state universities through a constitutional amendment to article 16.

A week later, internal tensions surfaced when senior PASOK figures publicly disagreed over the Pierarakis law that regulates non‑state, non‑profit universities. One faction urged repealing the law and tightening oversight, while another defended the existing framework and warned against harsh restrictions. This debate highlighted growing factional splits within the party regarding the implementation of university reforms.

By August 2026, the situation escalated as PASOK criticized the government for systemic failures, including a housing crisis for teachers. The party noted that many educators face severe difficulties finding affordable housing, particularly in tourist regions, leading to high resignation rates and vacancies in special education.

Simultaneously, PASOK addressed a legal crisis following a Council of State decision to revoke the operating licenses of three branches of foreign universities. The party described the situation as a “fiasco of unprecedented proportions,” arguing that the Pierrakakis law facilitated the “fast-track commercialization of higher education.” PASOK demanded that the government take responsibility for the instability facing hundreds of students who have already begun their studies.