Meri Kosmidu responds to criticism raises new questions
The school committees and minority organizations criticized the appointments, alleging that the school boards were sidelined in the process.
Kosmidu claimed that the statements made were not based on facts but aimed at creating impressions. However, her response did not quell concerns; rather, it raised new questions, particularly regarding the minority schools.
In a written statement issued by the EMT Education Directorate, the use of the term "parasilogi," which implies "so-called associations," when referring to minority organizations, sparked backlash. Kosmidu further emphasized that the Greek state respects the Treaty of Lausanne and other international agreements. However, her remark that compulsory education was only at the elementary level at the time the Lausanne Treaty was signed has led some to wonder if she was implying that the treaty does not apply to minority secondary schools and high schools.
Kosmidu defended the Education Directorate’s adherence to the law, stating that the director appointments were made in accordance with the ministerial decision 6209/20022 (Official Gazette 779/B/2002) and were entirely within the authority of the Regional Education Director. She also noted that the school committees' powers, as outlined in the same ministerial decision, are limited to the economic management of the schools.
