Students, university undergraduates and teachers gathered in central Athens on Thursday, November 5, for a nationwide education protest demanding increased government funding, improved school facilities and stronger protections for free public education.
Demonstrators assembled outside the University of Athens at the Propylaea shortly after 11 a.m., carrying banners and chanting slogans against government education policies. Similar demonstrations were organized in Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion and other Greek cities. The mobilization brought together student associations, school committees and teachers’ organizations, continuing a series of demonstrations that began in October.
One prominent banner declared, “From Greece to France, we want public and free education,” reflecting the protesters’ solidarity with French students and workers holding demonstrations on the same day.
Students demand more teachers, safer schools and affordable education
Among the protesters’ principal demands are increased state funding for public schools, the recruitment of additional permanent teachers and comprehensive inspections of school buildings, many of which student organizations say require urgent maintenance. Students are also calling for smaller class sizes, improvements in school infrastructure and the withdrawal of new regulations governing educational excursions. They oppose proposals to introduce a more extensive system of nationwide examinations during high school, arguing that additional testing would increase pressure on students and families.
University students have raised separate concerns about rising living costs, particularly accommodation expenses, limited student housing and insufficient financial assistance. They are demanding increased housing allowances, additional places in university dormitories and the repeal of legislation allowing the removal of students who exceed prescribed study periods. Student associations have also reiterated their opposition to changes affecting Article 16 of the Greek Constitution, which establishes the constitutional framework for higher education.
The Federation of Secondary School Teachers (OLME) supported Thursday’s protest by announcing a four-hour work stoppage from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. OLME expressed solidarity with students defending their right to publicly funded education and called for greater investment in schools, universities and research.
The federation also linked the Greek demonstrations to the broader European education movement, emphasizing its support for parallel protests in France.
New demonstrations follow October’s nationwide mobilization
Thursday’s protest followed a major nationwide education demonstration on October 21, when thousands of students, teachers, parents and public-sector employees marched through several Greek cities.
The October mobilization included a 24-hour strike by primary school teachers and work stoppages by secondary school educators and public-sector employees. Participants demanded additional education funding, permanent recruitment of substitute teachers and greater support for university students.
A further student mobilization took place in Piraeus on October 30, when school and university representatives joined protesting maritime workers, connecting their education demands with broader opposition to military spending and involvement in armed conflicts.
Student coordinating committees subsequently held meetings across Attica to organize the November 5 demonstration and maintain pressure on the government.
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