Private universities bill adopted

The Greek Parliament has passed the bill allowing the operation of private, non-profit universities, 159-129.

Eleven MPs in the 300-member assembly voted "present."

The ended shortly after midnight after a contentious debate that often turned personal.

Announcement of the result was delayed until after midnight by three lawmakers from a small left-wing party, Freedom Sailing, who remained seated and studied a printout of the draft law for over two hours after everyone else had cast their ballots and left. The party had earlier said it would vote against the bill.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticized socialist PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis for the inconsistency of his proposals, ostensibly in favor of private universities, while imposing party discipline for a negative vote on the bill. Sokratis Famellos, Parliamentary leader of the main...