Students and educators protest in Athens for public education reform

On November 5, 2026, students, pupils, and educators gathered in central Athens for a major education protest. The demonstration began at 11:00 at the Propylaea and proceeded toward the Hellenic Parliament, where participants rallied with banners and smoke grenades. The protest caused the temporary closure of Panepistimiou Street for approximately one hour. According to reports, one individual was detained by police during the event.

The demonstrators demanded increased funding for public education, the immediate filling of teaching staff vacancies, and the repeal of Article 16. Specific concerns raised included the safety of school infrastructure—highlighted by recent gas system malfunctions and ceiling collapses—and calls to reduce class sizes. Furthermore, protesters expressed opposition to the introduction of a new nationwide examination system for lyceums, arguing that schools should not be reduced to mere testing centers. The movement in Greece coincides with similar protests in France regarding education, living costs, and professional prospects for the youth.

The authorities have restored traffic flow on central roads, and there are no immediate follow-up protests officially scheduled by the organizers at this time.