When life outpaces the legislature
As was only to be expected, the Sorbonne has embarked on a de facto review of Article 16 of the Greek Constitution. By approaching private educational institutions in Greece with a view to creating joint postgraduate programs, the French university has essentially consigned the debate on private vs state education to the past. This means that we are once again watching developments as the Greek state simply stands by, unable to act. At the same time, the only option left for Greek state universities is precisely what those opposed to Article 16 do not want, namely they will have to compete with private institutions for programs of the type being proposed by the Sorbonne. Life often steps in and resolves the problems that politicians sweep under the carpet. But this does not always ensure the optimum solution. It would be better to tackle issues before they become issues, rather than being left to clean up the mess afterward.
