Students and Teachers March in Greece Over Education Costs

Thousands of students and teachers marched in Athens on October 21, calling for greater public investment in education and more affordable student housing as teachers held a nationwide strike. Similar gatherings were reported in Thessaloniki and Patras. Police estimated that at least 5,000 people attended the Athens protest. The demonstrations brought together university students, school pupils and educators amid concerns over rising living costs, shortages of school staff and deteriorating facilities. Protesters carried signs calling for more money for education and affordable housing. Some also objected to the cost of studying and living away from home, while teachers sought better pay, recruitment to fill vacancies and safe school buildings. The teachers’ strike was called for 24 hours, although some schools remained open. Organizers and student associations had also held a tent encampment in Athens’ Syntagma Square on October 20, ahead of the march. The demonstrations had been planned in several cities, with the Athens rally at the Propylaea, the historic entrance to the University of Athens. Participants described pressure on students and families from housing costs and...