Students and teachers launch two-day nationwide protests in Greece

Students, teachers, and parents across Greece are participating in a coordinated two-day mobilization on October 20 and 21, 2026, to protest against the rising cost of living, educational shortcomings, and housing crises. On Tuesday, student unions in Athens and Thessaloniki set up protest camps in Syntagma Square and Agia Sofia Square respectively, demanding increased state funding, improved infrastructure, and affordable student housing.

The movement culminates on Wednesday, October 21, with a 24-hour strike by the Teachers' Federation of Greece (DOE) in primary education and work stoppages by the secondary education federation (OLME) between 11:00 and 14:00. Educators report that approximately 15,000 teaching positions remain unfilled, contributing to school staffing shortages and increased workloads. Protesters are gathering at key locations, including the Propylaea in Athens at 12:00 and the Venizelos statue in Thessaloniki at 11:30.

Demands include a cap on rental prices, renovation of student dormitories, increased housing allowances, and better investment in public education. These demonstrations represent a significant escalation in public discontent regarding the financial pressures facing youth and the state of public academic institutions.