Students oppose sit-ins at major Greek university

Student unions are increasingly expressing opposition to university sit-ins and the disruption such occupations cause, while independent groups often gain more support at student union meetings than those aligned with the major political parties, Kathimerini understands.

A recent case in point concerns the philosophy faculty at Thessaloniki's Aristotle University, with a union called "Initiative of Independent Students - Yes to Open Universities" calling for an end to widespread billposting and the full enforcement of a ban on smoking in public places.

Although the motion was approved by a majority at the latest student union meeting, the head of the faculty, Dimitris Mavroskoufis, deemed that the proposals were excessive.

The union has described its aim as "giving a voice to all those fellow students who the past few years have been observers, and often the...