PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT 2017-2020 We will give back the autonomy to the university, not only because the professors should enjoy more privileges, but because of the fact that the progressive societal changes and libertine ideas derive from the university; the present knowledge is being questioned there and also transferred, and moreover new one is being created. Therefore, our imperative will be investment in science and academic work. The Government will propose new manner of financing and managing the universities. The Law on High Education will go through full revision with the possibility of adoption of a new law on high education following a broad debate. The draconian punitive provisions that are being used at the moment for threatening of the university staff and limiting the university autonomy will be repealed. Provision of quality in the higher education will be a top priority. In a partnership with the academic community, the system of university accreditation and evaluation will be reviewed, according to the European standards and directions for quality provision, with particular attention to the regulated professions and the professional high education. Through these standards, the quality of the dispersed studies and the private universities will be reassessed, as well as their socio-economic justification and need. Negligence for the quality of the high education has led to a hyper-production of diplomas without competitive knowledge and skills. Results of the research show prolonged education, inappropriately designed teaching process and average quality of studies. Our obligation is to provide for full support of the universities and the faculties so that the abuses of students and parents come to an end. The Government will enable legal and operational independence of the Board for Accreditation and Evaluation, as basic preconditions for fulfillment of the criteria for attaining the status of full member of ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) and EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education). Universities must be returned to the professors and the students, and they should not be used for political or party influence in implementation of their teaching, scientific and staff policy. It is time the state universities are truly reformed, not through centralization of the activities and the functions, but through more democratic and more transparent management and giving more “power” to those that are directly affected in the process of higher education: professors, their originating institutions and the students. The authorizations of the rectors, the deans and the directors have to be susceptible to review, and not be concentrated and executive as they are at present. The best-graduated students will be given opportunity, under mentorship of more experienced professors, to volunteer as teaching staff in primary and secondary education in a period of 1-2 years. The best students must be employed and their stay in Macedonia must be stimulated. This will contribute to raising the quality of the teaching process, as well as rejuvenating the teaching staff. The Government will support again opening of lectureship for Macedonian language in foreign universities in other countries, in particular EU member states. Greater care will be taken for appropriate use of mother tongue by all actors that have public influence (media, telecommunication operators, state bodies and institutions) with particular accent to proper usage of the language starting from the youngest population in the beginning of the educational process. 32