Ist Griechenland noch zu retten? - Jugendprotest, Bildungsmisere und Staatsverschuldung
Greece beyond Remedy? Juvenile Protest, Educational Plight and National Debt

Summary/Abstract: Greece is putting the Euro actually under heavy pressure. The budget deficit of the country is mushrooming at 12.7 percent of its GDP and is violating the Euro criteria excessively. The European Commission expresses its mistrust in statistical data submitted by Greek authorities and the Greek Government is faced with severe concerns when asking for international credits. The threat of state bankruptcy is the tip of the iceberg, of a national crisis which is demanding for “catharsis” (κάθαρσις). The other side of the coin are demonstrations of students asking for better education. The weak national education system needs substantial reforms. Comparative statistical data submitted by the OECD make it evident that Greek schools and universities come off badly. Although Greek Governments tried to improve the situation in the last years it must be stated that the education system is underfunded. What makes the situation worse and demonstrators more aggressive is the fact that better educated young people have poor chances on the Greek labour market. Education does not pay in Greece which is quite the opposite in other OECD countries. The actual situation is depressing: Greece lacks financial resources to improve the education sector. The deep rooted system of clientelism blocks the access to the labour market especially for young people. Urgently needed economic reforms contain a socially explosive mixture.

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