Maximos Harakopoulos

The publication of a report by an expert committee on lawlessness at Greek universities sparked a vehement political exchange on Thursday, with conservative New Democracy slamming the recommendations as uninspired and inadequate. 

New Democracy reiterated its pledge on Saturday to impose law and order when it comes to power as attacks by self-styled anarchists against riot police units in the central Exarchia district of Athens continue unabated.

The number of students enrolled in Greece's private middle schools has shot up from 5,912 in the 2015-16 academic year to 9,189 this year and in private high schools from 10,921 to 12,068, data presented by New Democracy's shadow minister for eduction showed on Monday.

The government is bracing for a crucial week, with eurozone finance ministers expected to discuss the release of further rescue loans to Greece at an informal summit in Athens starting on Tuesday.

The government's battle to see the measures agreed with its creditors clear Parliament had its first casualty as Alternate Agricutlural Development Minister Maximos Harakopoulos announced post on Saturday afternoon he has tendered his resignation from his post.

The likelihood of a major parliamentary rebellion, which could even put the coalition at risk of losing Sunday’s vote on the omnibus bill of reforms, appeared to diminish on Thursday after lengthy talks between members of the government and lawmakers.

The multi-bill of reforms agreed with the troika last week is due to be tabled in Parliament on Friday, with the government still scrambling to find a compromise with MPs and dairy farmers who oppose the proposed lengthening of fresh milk’s shelf life from five to around 10 days because it is seen as helping cheaper imports at the expense of local producers.

The government's general secretary Panayiotis Baltakos, a close aide to Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, on Friday met with Alternate Agricultural Development Minister Maximos Harakopoulos in a bid to overcome the latter's opposition to a provision in a multi-bill of reforms agreed with the troika that extends the shelf life of fresh milk.

Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras takes part in a news conference after a Tripartite Social Summit ahead of a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, on Thursday.