Thousands protest across Greece over education and living costs
Thousands of students, teachers and workers demonstrated across Greece on Wednesday, demanding increased public education funding, safer school buildings, smaller classes and measures to ease rising living costs.
Around 10,000 people gathered in Athens, while 2,000 to 2,500 demonstrated in Thessaloniki and more than 3,000 in Patras, according to public broadcaster ERT. Rallies were also held in Larissa and other cities.
In Athens, protesters marched from the Propylaea to Syntagma Square, chanting for free public education and expressing solidarity with demonstrations in France and other European countries.
Teachers strike as students demand better conditions
Protesters called for vacant teaching positions to be filled, permanent employment for substitute teachers, reduced class sizes and improvements to school infrastructure.
University students demanded lower rents, increased housing allowances and more places in student accommodation. Teachers also staged strikes and work stoppages over pay and staff shortages, disrupting some school and public services.
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki said she was listening to students’ concerns, acknowledging the pressure housing costs place on Greek households. She said projects worth more than €733 million were underway to build student residences and upgrade facilities.
Rising costs fuel public anger
The demonstrations come as households face high rents, energy costs and pressure on purchasing power, years after Greece’s 2009-2018 debt crisis and the austerity measures that followed.
University student Georgia Foukidou, 21, told Reuters that high rents and everyday expenses were making life increasingly difficult for young people.
The protests were largely peaceful, although ERT reported isolated disturbances near Omonia Square in Athens, including stone-throwing and damage to electric scooters. Police used stun grenades, and 21 people were detained during preventive checks. In Thessaloniki, 10 people were taken in for questioning.
The demonstrations add pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government as it faces growing concerns over education standards, wages and the cost of living ahead of elections expected in mid-2027.
Sources: ERT
