Thousands March Through Athens in Education Funding Protest

Students, teachers and public-sector workers marched through the centre of Athens, the Greek capital, on Wednesday, 21 October, demanding higher education funding, smaller classes, better facilities and affordable student housing. The protest points to growing pressure on the Greek government to address education funding and the financial difficulties facing students.

March to Parliament

Demonstrators walked from the University of Athens to the Greek Parliament. Aerial footage showed crowds filling major streets. Some banners were written in French, reflecting solidarity with, and inspiration from, recent student demonstrations in France.

Organisers described the march as part of a wider European movement calling for better-funded education, affordable housing and relief from rising living costs.

Security measures

Police officers, including riot police carrying shields, accompanied the march, and nearby roads were blocked. Some shops and cafés closed their shutters as a precaution.

Rallies across the country

The Athens demonstration was part of a nationwide protest movement, with rallies also held in Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa and Crete. Police estimated that around 10,000 people took part in Athens and its suburbs, while organisers said turnout was higher.

Some demonstrators had camped overnight outside Parliament, calling for rent controls, greater housing support and more investment in public education.

The rally ended peacefully shortly before 2pm.