Students in Greece remain defiant having forced the postponement of legislation bringing significant 'reform' to the higher education system.

Widespread student opposition has forced the Greek government to delay its attempt to introduce legislation that includes amending the Greek constitution to allow for the establishment of private universities. The government had hoped to pass the measures during the summer session at a time when colleges and universities are empty.

The proposals to reform Greek higher education by cutting back on student support and reducing student participation in university administration triggered a nationwide wave of student occupations and protest beginning in May.

It is now expected that the final version of the proposed new law will be significantly watered down from its original form but students say their protests will continue until the measures are abandoned.

The Greek protests, like those that swept France earlier in the year, have succeeded in placing the students demands on the forefront of the national agenda. In France, student groups united with trade unions to scupper government proposals to casualise employment conditions for young people.

With 'top up fees' of £3,000 set to become a reality for students in Britain from September, Gordon Brown has recently indicated that even higher fees are in the pipeline. The Chancellor, speaking in early June described the principle of differential fees as 'the right one' and signalled his willingness to consider lifting the £3,000 cap.

The success of the protests in Greece, offer an example of the kind of mass campaigns that will be needed if students in Britain are to avoid further defeat.

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