About 10,000 students and teachers rallied peacefully in Athens on 21 October, police said, demanding higher education funding, better facilities, smaller classes and affordable student housing. Demonstrations were also held in Thessaloniki, Patras and other cities. [1] [2]
Some primary teachers and doctors joined walkouts over pay and staff shortages, disrupting school and hospital operations. Students had camped overnight in Syntagma Square before the Athens march. [1]
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki acknowledged housing and infrastructure pressures and said projects worth more than €733 million were under way for student residences and facility upgrades. She defended peaceful protest while opposing school occupations and damage. [1] [3]