Greece Students March in Athens Demanding More Education Funding

Thousands of students, school pupils and teachers have taken to the streets of Athens, Greece, demanding increased government investment in public education, improved school facilities, better learning conditions and greater support for university students.

The demonstrations, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, brought together students, university associations and educators who marched through central Athens to protest what they described as chronic underfunding of the country's education system.

The rally began at approximately 11 a.m. outside the University of Athens before proceeding towards Syntagma Square, where protesters gathered outside the Greek Parliament.

Similar demonstrations were also held in Thessaloniki and other parts of the country as pressure mounted on the government to address challenges affecting public schools and universities.

Students Demand Better-Funded Schools

Protesters carried banners and placards calling for free public education, increased government funding and urgent improvements to deteriorating school infrastructure.

Among their major concerns were leaking roofs, damaged walls, broken heating systems and inadequate facilities in several public schools.

Students and teachers called for comprehensive inspections and urgent repairs to school buildings to ensure safe and suitable learning environments.

They also demanded the recruitment of more permanent teachers to address staffing shortages and reduce overcrowded classrooms.

Some demonstrators symbolically displayed construction rubble to highlight the poor physical conditions affecting educational institutions.

According to police estimates, approximately 4,000 people participated in demonstrations across Athens and Thessaloniki combined, although organisers disputed the figures.

University Students Raise Concerns Over Rising Living Costs

Beyond classroom conditions, university students highlighted the increasing financial pressure associated with pursuing higher education in Greece.

Rising accommodation costs have become a major concern, with some students reporting monthly rental expenses reaching approximately €800.

Student organisations argued that the high cost of housing is making university education increasingly inaccessible, particularly for young people from low-income households.

They called on the government to introduce stronger financial support measures, including increased student housing allowances, rent controls and expanded university accommodation facilities.

Protesters also demanded improved student welfare services to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent young people from completing their studies.

Teachers Join Demonstrations

The Federation of Secondary School Teachers (OLME) supported the demonstrations by organising a four-hour work stoppage between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., allowing educators to participate in the protests.

The teachers' union backed calls for increased public investment in education, improved working conditions and better access to quality learning opportunities.

OLME also criticised what it described as chronic underfunding, inadequate staffing and deteriorating school infrastructure.

The union called for greater investment in education, healthcare and research to address the needs of ordinary citizens.

Protesters Oppose Proposed Education Reforms

The demonstrations also targeted several proposed changes to Greece's education system.

Students and teachers expressed opposition to plans for introducing new nationwide examinations at high-school level, arguing that the changes could increase academic pressure on learners.

They also opposed proposals to abolish Article 16 of the Greek Constitution, which establishes the constitutional framework for public higher education.

The protesters maintain that public education should remain accessible and adequately funded, warning against reforms that could weaken the role of public universities.

Solidarity With Protests in France

Thursday's demonstrations also carried a broader European message, with Greek protesters expressing solidarity with students and workers participating in demonstrations in France.

Some banners displayed the message, "From Greece to France, we fight for free public education," reflecting shared concerns over the rising cost of living and access to public services.

The demonstrations form part of a wider wave of protests across southern Europe, where young people and workers have increasingly raised concerns about education funding, housing affordability and economic inequality.

Growing Pressure on the Greek Government

The November 5 demonstrations follow another major nationwide mobilisation on October 21, when thousands of students and teachers took to the streets across approximately 50 Greek cities.

The continuing protests are increasing pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government to address concerns surrounding education funding, school infrastructure and student welfare.

Although the government has announced investment plans targeting student accommodation and educational facilities, protesters insist that more immediate action is needed to address the challenges facing schools and universities.

As demonstrations continue, students and teachers are maintaining their demand for a better-funded public education system that guarantees equal opportunities, safe learning environments and affordable access to higher education.