The government’s immediate and decisive commitment to tackle chronic problems, with emphasis on road safety, the proper functioning of OPECEPE and, in particular, to restore order and security at universities, was underlined by the Deputy Minister to Prime Minister Thanassis Kontogeorgis.

On the OPECEPE issue, the Deputy Minister noted that the basic reform brought by the government in the coming weeks is to gradually pass the process to AADE without risking the payments to be made to farmers. Regarding any recovery that may arise, he said that “all legal procedures will be followed”.

On the occasion of today’s meeting of the Prime Minister with the Rectors, Mr Kontogeorgis recalled the progress that has already been made. “There was a gangrene, which has been partially cured of the past.” And he added that “the situation is no longer the same, dozens of arrests have been made, criminal prosecutions have been brought and there is no active occupation today.”

The Deputy Minister announced a new legislative framework in the coming days that regulates the suspension of student status, the obligation to compensate for damage and the existence of a single disciplinary body and the imposition of disciplinary sanctions on the Rector’s authorities in the event of non -compliance with procedures. “By July, all universities must submit security plans, which must be completed and implemented by the end of the year.”

Finally, the Undersecretary of State pointed out the good cooperation of the Rector’s authorities with the Ministry of Education, as well as the need for continuous and pressing reminder to all stakeholders to perform their duties in order to isolate the unacceptable phenomena and not repeat.

Asked about road safety issues, Mr Kontogeorgis referred to the scourge of traffic accidents, stressing that tackling the problem requires a holistic approach beyond the fines. In particular, he referred to three axes of treatment, starting with the improvement of infrastructure. The Deputy Minister noted the significant improvement of the National and District Road Network, with the completion of major projects such as the Patras-Pyrgos Motorway and the problems of problems in BOAK Crete. Secondly, he referred to the new Road Traffic Code (KOK), which is consulted and aims at rationalizing both administrative and criminal sanctions. Finally, he stressed that it is imperative to comply with the rules especially in cities, as “it is evident from the evidence that the Greek Police and the Traffic Police are doing a systematic job, but it is also a matter of driving culture and better education”.