Widespread education protests held across Greece

Thousands of students, teachers, and public sector workers held demonstrations across Greece on October 21, 2026, demanding increased state funding for public education, improved school infrastructure, and higher salaries. In Athens, approximately 10,000 protesters gathered near parliament, while additional rallies took place in Thessaloniki and other cities. The protests disrupted public transport, with the University metro station in Athens and several stations in Thessaloniki temporarily closed. Police reported that 10 individuals were detained for questioning during the Athens events.

The demonstrations were organized amid growing dissatisfaction with staffing shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the rising cost of living. The civil servants’ union, ADEDY, declared a three-hour strike, while the Federation of Hospital Doctors of Greece (OENGE) participated in a nationwide walkout. Participants explicitly linked their grievances to broader European protests, including those in France, regarding economic conditions. A separate group of around 500 pensioners also gathered at Kotzia Square.

These actions increase pressure on the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ahead of the mid-2027 elections. The protesters have expressed concerns over stagnant wages and high living expenses. While the government faces mounting challenges, the demonstrations remain a significant focal point for public discontent regarding both education policy and the broader socioeconomic situation.