From Paris to Athens: Cost of living and lack of education funding fuel protests

Greece witnessed protests by thousands of students and teachers, coinciding with protests in other European countries including France, against the high cost of living and lack of education funding. Police estimated participants in Athens at about 10,000 people, and protesters demanded increased government spending on education, improvement of school facilities, and provision of affordable university housing.

Greece saw widespread protests by thousands of students and teachers, coinciding with similar protests in other European countries including France, against the high cost of living, lack of education funding, and deteriorating school conditions. Police estimated the number of participants in demonstrations in Athens and its suburbs at about 10,000 people, stating that the march proceeded peacefully. Protesters demanded increased government spending on education, improvement of school facilities, reduction of class sizes, along with providing affordable university housing and easing financial burdens on families. The Associated Press reported that students and teachers participated in the marches, coinciding with strikes by teachers protesting working conditions and rising living costs. In Athens, protesters raised banners in French to express solidarity with student protests in France, while the marches were preceded by a sit-in by university students who set up tents in Syntagma Square in front of the Greek parliament to protest high rents. Engineering student Panagiotis Moschonas, 20, said that government support for rent, which he said amounts to 120 euros per month, does not even cover half his rent, noting that the amount is disbursed at the end of the year, increasing financial difficulties.