SYRIZA İskeçe: "Patriotism in words, abandonment in practice"
In a sharply worded statement, the İskeçe Regional Committee of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance has launched a strong critique against the government, accusing it of systematically neglecting Thrace and the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH).
"The government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, while accusing the opposition of a 'lack of patriotism,' actively undermines the collective prosperity of Thrace and public education," the statement reads.
SYRIZA İskeçe highlights that the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace continues to rank among the highest in poverty and unemployment, with increasing youth migration and significant demographic decline. Special mention is made of deteriorating infrastructure, such as İskeçe’s “dead” railway network and the cancellation of local projects.
The party places particular emphasis on the condition of DUTH, accusing the government of deliberately undermining public universities through the implementation of the Minimum Admission Requirement, which resulted in thousands of vacant student placements. According to SYRIZA, 10% of available seats at DUTH remain unfilled. At the same time, the cost of living has increased, while student housing remains insufficient.
The statement also criticizes Education Minister Zetta Makri's recent comment that “it’s easy to go study in Gümülcine,” calling it a “political stance” that demeans Thrace and demanding its retraction.
SYRIZA İskeçe further condemns remarks by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis, who accused the opposition of “serving Turkish interests” over its stance on Gaza. The party denounces this as a diversionary tactic employing nationalist rhetoric, adding that “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
The statement concludes with a declaration that “Thracian society will no longer tolerate contempt,” and calls for support for public education, strengthening of universities, and a national strategy grounded in “responsibility and seriousness.”
