The benefits of private, non-profit universities in Greece, the country's stance regarding the situation in the Middle East and the successes of the government's foreign policy were among issues highlighted in the "4th Briefing for the Citizens" conducted by government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis on Friday.
Other topics addressed in the briefing included the "package" of benefits that the government will present at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) and answers to sundry practical questions relating to diverse issues, including deliveries of medicine at home and the new traffic code.
On the issue of permitting branches of non-state universities to be established in Greece, Marinakis noted that the country had been a "global exception" up until now and had a greater number of students studying abroad than any other country, relative to its population. He said the measure was expected to generate savings exceeding 10 billion euros, as well as creating an estimated 73,500 new jobs. He also welcomed the a number of joint courses established by Greek state universities with prestigious universities abroad and repeated the government's intention to stamp out lawlessness on university campuses.
Marinakis said that Greece was in favour of a de-escalation in the Middle East, while noting that the government will step in to support consumers against a hike in energy prices, if the need arises.
The spokesperson said that the finance ministry was already preparing the package of measures that will be announced at TIF, promising that the amount will be significant and directed primarily at the middle classes and families, in the form of reduced taxes.