Athens:Thousands of students, teachers, parents, and workers took to the streets across Greece on Wednesday to protest for increased funding for public education and measures to address rising living and study costs.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, approximately 10,000 people participated in a march in Athens. In Thessaloniki, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 individuals demonstrated, while more than 3,000 people rallied in Patras. Demonstrations also took place in Larissa and other cities.

Protesters called for the filling of teaching vacancies, the transition of substitute teachers to permanent positions, smaller class sizes, and safer school buildings. University students demanded lower rents, increased housing allowances, more dormitory spaces, and the repeal of legislation concerning student expulsions. Primary school teachers conducted a 24-hour strike, and secondary school teachers engaged in a three-hour work stoppage. Public sector workers and other unions also participated in the demonstrations.

In Athens, the protest started at the Propylaea, proceeded to Syntagma Square, and then returned to the starting point. While the main march concluded peacefully before 2 pm local time, disturbances occurred in the Omonia area, with reports of stone-throwing and damage to electric scooters. Police responded with stun grenades, and Molotov cocktails were reportedly thrown. Authorities detained 21 individuals during preventive checks, deploying over 3,000 officers in central Athens, including shopping areas.

In Thessaloniki, police questioned 10 people, and the march ended without further incidents despite some participants lighting flares outside the US Consulate. Students occupied 18 schools in Thessaloniki, contributing to a total of 30 occupied schools in Central Macedonia. The Patras demonstration concluded peacefully, while participants at the Larissa rally showed solidarity with protesters in France, with slogans advocating for free public education.