PASOK Demands Minister's Resignation Over National Exam Breach

Greece's national exams have become embroiled in a political firestorm, with the PASOK party demanding the resignation of Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki. The controversy centers on an alleged breach of exam integrity, where candidates from vocational schools (EPAL) reportedly took the Greek language exam using the same questions previously administered to high school (GEL) candidates.

PASOK claims this incident, which constitutes a violation of the exams' impartiality, was deliberately concealed from Minister Zacharaki for 38 days. The party argues that the delay in informing the public has caused significant backlash. Furthermore, PASOK alleges that the Central Examination Committee, with the knowledge and consent of the political leadership, opted for an extreme 'solution' by awarding perfect scores to the affected students.

The party criticizes the government for prioritizing a political settlement over ensuring the transparency, prestige, and impartiality of the examination process. PASOK contends that the Ministry of Education is attempting to shield itself behind an administrative investigation, hastily ordered after the incident became public, to avoid taking political responsibility for the failures.

Given these revelations, PASOK insists that Minister Zacharaki must resign, stating that her position is untenable. The party's announcement declared, 'Her resignation is the only way forward.' The incident has cast a shadow over the efforts of thousands of students and families who participated in the national examinations.