In a surprise move the Syriza-led government has reversed the years-long practice in Greek primary schools according to which flag-bearers in school parades in both National Days (March 25, October 28) were determined by their school performance.
Instead, the Ministry of Education has determined through decree that from now on all flag-bearers will be chosen after a draw.
This means that all students, irrespective of their school performance, could become flag-bearers in official ceremonies and parades.
Until now, two 6th grade pupils were chosen according to the highest average marks they received in the previous academic year.
One was a flag-bearer until January 31, and the second until the end of the school year.
Critics have often accused Syriza of acting as rigid ideologues and being avert to notions of academic excellence, regarding it as a kind of stigma.
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