Student clashes in Greek capital

Violence broke out during a march on parliament attended by some 3,000 people, mainly university students.

There were no reported injuries or arrests during the scuffles during which masked youths threw petrol bombs.

Students, backed by university and education unions, claim the reform would lower the quality of education.

Constitutional amendment

The demonstration is one of several taking place across Greece to protest against a proposed change to education policy, which would require a constitutional amendment.

The proposal would allow private universities to operate fully in Greece and for the degrees they award to be recognised by the state.

Students and members of the academic community say this will threaten the quality of education for all and divert much-needed funds away from state universities.

But the government says that the changes would give more access to a university education and improve the quality of teaching.