Students, teachers and public-sector workers marched through central Athens on Wednesday, demandingmore funding for education,** smaller classes**,** better facilitiesand affordable student housing**.
Aerial footage showed crowds filling major streets as protesters made their way from the University of Athens towards the Greek Parliament. Some banners written in French reflected the Greek protesters'** solidarity with**, and inspiration from, recent** student demonstrations in France**. Organisers presented the march as part of a** broader European movementcalling for better-funded education**,** affordable housingand relief from rising living costs**.
Police officers, including riot police carrying shields, accompanied the march and** blocked nearby roads**. Some shops and cafés closed their shutters as a precaution.
The demonstration was part of a nationwide protest movement, with rallies also held in** Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa and Crete**. Police estimated that around** 10,000 peopletook part in Athens and its suburbs, although organisers claimed a higher turnout**.
Some demonstrators had camped overnight outside Parliament, calling for** rent controls**,** greater housing supportand more investment in public education**.
The rally ended peacefully shortly before 2pm, reflectingmounting pressure on the Greek government to address education funding and the financial difficulties facing students.