Members of Parliament from the SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance, led by MP Katerina Notopoulou, have submitted a formal parliamentary question concerning the ongoing challenges in Greek language education abroad and the critical shortage of seconded teachers in diaspora communities.
SYRIZA highlights strategic failures in diaspora education policy
According to SYRIZA MPs, the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs have both failed to implement a coherent and sustainable strategy for diaspora education, despite their stated mandates to promote Greek education internationally and support the global Greek community.
The MPs cite Article 46 of the Ministry of Education’s Charter, which defines the advancement of Greek education abroad and the support of Greek diaspora schools as a strategic priority. Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of Greeks abroad and strengthening ties with diaspora communities.
However, SYRIZA alleges that this mission is being undermined by years of underfunding, a lack of coordination, and “the Greek state’s gradual disengagement from organised expatriate Hellenism.”
Teacher shortages and inadequate allowances:
Recent data from the Ministry of Education reveals a widening gap between the number of vacant teaching positions advertised abroad and those actually filled. While numerous positions were listed in official ministry documents for the academic years 2025–2028, only a small fraction were successfully staffed.
Entire countries with Greek populations – such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Uzbekistan – remain without any seconded teachers.
Moreover, SYRIZA claims the overseas allowance provided to teachers remains drastically low. For example, in the United States, it stands at just €1,943, a figure SYRIZA MPs argue is insufficient to support a dignified standard of living and fails to attract long-term interest in these roles.
A call for immediate government action
SYRIZA MPs warn that the current state of Greek language education abroad poses an “existential” threat to the future of diaspora communities and weakens Greece’s cultural diplomacy.
In their formal questions submitted to the Ministers for Education, Foreign Affairs, and National Economy, the MPs ask:
- Is there a structured, long-term strategy for diaspora education, including the use of digital technologies and educational exchanges?
- Will the government increase the overseas allowances for seconded teachers to enable wider staffing of Greek diaspora schools?
- Will the government consult with key diaspora institutions, such as community organisations and the Church, to develop alternative support mechanisms for seconded teachers?
The initiative reflects increasing pressure from Greek diaspora federations, who have repeatedly called for solutions to what they describe as a chronic crisis affecting education, language preservation, and intergenerational cultural identity abroad.
Following this development, and in line with the rules of the Hellenic Parliament, the Ministers are now required to respond to SYRIZA MPs within 25 days.
If SYRIZA finds the Minister’s response unsatisfactory, they have the right to escalate the matter by converting the question into an interpellation, which must then be addressed in a Plenary Session of Parliament. Should multiple questions on the same issue arise, Parliament may opt to debate them jointly or even broaden the scope of the discussion.
MPs supporting the initiative:
- Aikaterini Notopoulou
- Dionysios Kalamatianos
- Elena Akrita
- Miltos Zambaras
- Alexandros Meikopoulos
- Konstantinos Barkas
- Theofilos Xanthopoulos
- Andreas Panagiotopoulos
- Georgios Papailiou
- Parthenopi Tsapanidou
- Georgios Psihoyios
