Greece’s Education Minister Nikos Filis has oft-argued the necessity of religious instruction at schools that are viewed as having a confessionary character. He would like to see the lesson become more secular and focus on a knowledge of religion rather than Greek Orthodox scripture teaching. The youth association of the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) has written a manifesto titled, “A Right to Education, a Right to Life”, in which a number of recommendations are made that tackle education in Greece, including scripture teaching:

1. The institutionalization of compulsory two-year preschool offered by the state to all children in Greece in modern buildings with specialized personnel.

2. The institutionalization of 12-year obligational education, including the creation of a joint lyceum (senior high school) that includes theory and practice with the abolition of professional lyceums.

3. The institutionalization of post-lyceum state education with free technical vocational teaching.

4. A reduction in class sizes and social measures to help vulnerable groups stay at school longer.

5. Reinforcement of extra tuition for students who need it.

6. The abolition of extra tuition and ensurance that the curriculum is covered in class with an upgrade of teaching methods that give emphasis to the cultivation of creativity and critical thinking, as well as the use of school libraries and new technology.

7. Upgrading the role of the lyceum as preparation for higher studies at universities and technical colleges.

8. Morning operation of all schools with equipped school units, libraries, workshops, technology etc.

9. The establishment of free state education and vocational orientation to students with disabilities at special schools that cater to their needs.

10. The reinforcement of the educators role at all levels of education. Ensuring that those who teach have suitable background and required knowledge.

11. Restructuring and enriching the programs with lessons and activities that help students understand the world around them, including environmental education, health, music, sports etc.

12. The abolition of morning prayer and the reformation of religious education with the right of exemption for students uninterested in participating.

13. Afternoon operation of schools with special programs e.g. art, foreign languages, sports, etc.

14. Free health inspections fro children who don’t have health coverage.