Thousands of Greek Students, Teachers Protest Over Education, Pay

Thousands of students and teachers took to the streets across Greece on Wednesday, demanding increased public funding for education, better school facilities, higher salaries and affordable accommodation for university students.

About 10,000 demonstrators gathered peacefully in central Athens and surrounding areas, according to police, while rallies were also held in Thessaloniki, Patras and other cities. The demonstrations brought together secondary school pupils, university students and educators protesting what they described as worsening conditions in the country’s education system.

The protesters called for more teachers to fill staffing gaps, safer and better-maintained school buildings, smaller class sizes and improved working conditions. They also raised concerns about the cost of university accommodation, arguing that rising rents and everyday expenses are making it increasingly difficult for students to continue their studies.

In Athens, demonstrators marched towards Parliament, carrying placards demanding greater investment in public education. Some students had also set up tents in Syntagma Square overnight to draw attention to the housing difficulties faced by young people.

The protests coincided with industrial action by teachers. Some educators joined a strike over salaries, staff shortages and deteriorating school conditions, disrupting operations in parts of the public education system.

Students criticised the government’s support for accommodation costs, saying the existing rent subsidy of €120 a month was insufficient to cover the high cost of housing in major university cities. Many students depend on financial assistance from their families, who are themselves struggling with rising living expenses.

The demonstrations have increased pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ centre-right government ahead of national elections expected in mid-2027. The protests also reflect wider public frustration over stagnant purchasing power, expensive housing and rising energy costs.

Greece’s economy has recovered from the severe debt crisis that lasted from 2009 to 2018, during which successive austerity measures included cuts to wages and public spending. However, many households continue to face financial pressure despite subsequent salary increases.

Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki has acknowledged concerns about student housing and school facilities. She said projects worth more than €733 million were underway to develop student residences and upgrade facilities, according to Reuters.

Despite the scale of Wednesday’s demonstrations, the main march in Athens remained peaceful. Police maintained a substantial security presence, with local reports saying officers were deployed around government buildings and other key locations.

The protesters are demanding that the government translate its commitments into practical improvements in classrooms, staffing, teachers’ pay and student welfare. Their action highlights the growing challenge facing European governments as education systems contend with funding demands alongside the rising cost of living.