ATHENS, GREECE – October 21, 2026: An estimated 20,000 school pupils, university students, teachers and professors took to the streets of central Athens in a massive nationwide mobilization demanding increased public education funding, better school infrastructure, the recruitment of teaching staff, higher wages and affordable student housing.
The demonstration began at the University of Athens Propylaea and marched to Syntagma Square outside Parliament before returning along Panepistimiou Avenue. The protest coincided with a 24-hour teachers' strike and a public-sector work stoppage organized by ADEDY.
A heavy riot police presence accompanied the mobilization. Police reported 25 detentions, including several carried out before the march began. Minor clashes between students and riot police also occurred in Omonia Square, where students were detained.
Similar demonstrations were held in Thessaloniki and other Greek cities.
