Protests in Europe expand: Thousands demonstrate in Greece over cost of living

Approximately 10,000 people protested in Athens and thousands more across Greece demanding affordable housing and increased education budgets. Teachers and doctors went on strike, and clashes with police were reported in the capital. The protests join a wave of demonstrations across Europe.

Approximately 10,000 people protested in Athens, and thousands more took to the streets across Greece demanding affordable housing and increased education budgets. Teachers and doctors went on strike, and clashes with police were reported in the capital. The protests, planned in over 50 cities, join a wave of demonstrations that have swept France, Italy, and Spain in recent weeks. According to ERT, about 10,000 participated in the Athens protest, between 2,000 and 2,500 in Thessaloniki, and over 3,000 in Patras. Some protesters carried signs in French as a gesture of solidarity. An engineering student, Panagiotis Moshonas, criticized Greece's conservative government, arguing that the rental assistance of 120 euros per month does not even cover half the rent. Police ordered the closure of metro stations and deployed about 3,000 officers. At least 25 people were detained after isolated clashes. Elementary school teachers declared a 24-hour strike, high school teachers struck for three hours, and doctors launched a nationwide strike. Education Minister Sofia Zacharki said the government is attentive to the demands but opposes shutting down educational institutions. The protest began yesterday with the erection of tents in Syntagma Square. The article notes concern about a descent into violence, given previous clashes in France, Italy, and Albania.