Performing artists amendment passes in Greek Parliament

A controversial amendment about performing artists that led to several protests recently passed in Parliament on Thursday with votes of ruling New Democracy and the Greek Solution party.

The amendment was attached to a Justice ministry bill on international trade arbitration, and was voted down by all other parties except main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, which abstained from voting, as announced recently.

Deputy Culture Minister Nicholas Yatromanolakis defended the amendment, saying criticism by opposition parties that it undermines degrees held by performing artists by equating it to a high school diploma and undermining their working rights are entirely inaccurate.