Thousands March in Athens Amidst Wider European Protests Over Cost of Living
Students and teachers in Greece protest high living costs and underfunded education, echoing broader unrest across Europe.
Thousands of students and teachers filled the streets of Athens on Wednesday to protest the rising cost of living, a lack of affordable student housing, and underfunding in the education system. Similar demonstrations took place in other Greek cities, including Thessaloniki and Patras.
These protests align with a wave of unrest sweeping across Europe, fueled by increased living expenses, soaring fuel costs, and concerns over the state of educational institutions. Clashes have been reported in various European nations, including France, Italy, and Albania.
Banners at the Athens march conveyed solidarity with other European movements, with one reading, "From Greece to France, give money to education." Others displayed French slogans such as, "To study or to survive."
One engineering student, 20-year-old Panagiotis Moschonas, criticized the government's response to the cost of living crisis, stating that a monthly rent subsidy of 120 euros ($135) is insufficient and often provided at the end of the year.
Riot police maintained a presence throughout the march, conducting spot checks and searches. Historically, demonstrations in Greece have sometimes escalated to violence, prompting businesses along protest routes to deploy protective shutters.
Teachers participated in a strike on Wednesday, although some schools remained open. "Today we are striking because this situation can’t continue for our families, with the high costs, with us struggling to make it to the end of the month, with the situation in schools which is deteriorating exponentially year after year," said teacher Ioannis Rompas.