Students and civil servants protest constitutional reform in Athens

Students and civil servants held separate protests in Athens on Wednesday, September 16, opposing a constitutional reform proposal currently under discussion in Parliament.

STUDENTS PROTEST HIGH RENTS AND HOUSING SHORTAGES
Students gathered outside the Ministry of Economy and Parliament to protest the constitutional amendment proposal submitted by the government.

The students drew attention to rising rents and called on the government to take measures to reduce housing costs and address the shortage of student accommodation.

Housing affordability has become a major concern for university students, particularly in Athens, where high rental costs can place significant financial pressure on those pursuing higher education.

CIVIL SERVANTS STAGE WORK STOPPAGE
Civil servants also staged a work stoppage beginning at noon and gathered outside Parliament to present their demands.

In addition to calling for greater economic support, civil servants objected to a provision in the proposed constitutional reform that would link the transition of civil servants to permanent employment status to performance evaluations.

The unions and employees participating in the action argued against the proposed changes to the public-sector employment system.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM COVERS MULTIPLE AREAS
The constitutional reform process, which began being debated in Parliament in June, proposes changes across several areas of public administration and governance.

The proposed amendments include provisions concerning ministerial responsibilities, the appointment of senior members of the judiciary, debt restructuring, the employment system for civil servants, the education system and elections.

The protests brought together concerns over both the economic impact of the proposed measures and specific changes to employment and social policies.