Athens student protests grow as European demo movement spreads

Thousands of students and teachers have poured onto the streets of Athens, demanding urgent action over underfunded schools, teacher shortages and the soaring cost of living that threatens the future of Greece's younger generation.

Armed with banners, whistles and drums, demonstrators marched through the Greek capital, sending a powerful message to the government: education must be a right, not a financial burden.

Inspired by similar demonstrations in France, protesters say their struggle reflects a growing wave of frustration among young Europeans worried about their education, living standards and future opportunities.

One banner carried a message in French: "Le monde est à nous" — "The world is ours."

For students struggling with skyrocketing rents and everyday expenses, the pressure is becoming increasingly difficult to bear.

Student protester Anthi called for a nationwide show of solidarity.

"We need more people to go out and do exactly the same thing. Everyone should take to the streets. Mothers, fathers, teachers, children—everyone. The more people who participate, the better it is for all of us," she said.

But the anger extends far beyond university campuses.

Teachers warn that serious staff shortages, inadequate school facilities and insufficient funding are putting increasing pressure on Greece's education system.

Dimitris Vergakis, president of the Elli Alexiou Primary Education Teachers' Association, described alarming shortages in his area.

"There are over 300 vacancies in special education support positions. More than 500 vacancies for primary school teachers and subject specialists," he said.

Teachers' unions are demanding increased public investment, permanent appointments, higher salaries and improved working conditions.

Nikos, a private education teacher participating in the demonstration, accused the authorities of pushing education towards privatization.

"First and foremost, we're demanding that education be exclusively public and free," he said, also criticizing school evaluations and what he described as the deterioration of educational standards.

The Greek government, however, insists it is taking steps to strengthen education, highlighting increased spending and thousands of permanent teaching appointments.

Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki has acknowledged protesters' concerns but maintains that shutting down schools is not the solution.

Yet demonstrators remain unconvinced.

With inflation and housing costs squeezing household budgets, students fear that access to quality education is becoming increasingly difficult.

And as similar frustrations emerge elsewhere in Europe, protesters believe their demands represent something bigger than a dispute over classrooms.

For those marching through Athens, the message is clear: their future is at stake, and they refuse to remain silent.