Key facts
- Protesters demanded higher state funding for education, better facilities, and less-crowded classrooms.
- Demonstrations occurred in Athens and other cities across Greece.
- Some primary school teachers and doctors walked out, protesting pay and staff shortages.
Thousands of students and teachers protested across Greece on Wednesday, demanding higher state funding for education, better facilities, and less-crowded classrooms. Around 10,000 demonstrators rallied in central Athens and suburbs, with others joining protests in cities nationwide. The demonstrations echo similar protests in France and elsewhere in Europe over rising living costs and perceived crumbling school conditions. State school and hospital operations were disrupted as some primary school teachers and doctors walked out, protesting pay and staff shortages. Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki acknowledged the students' demands and stated that projects worth over €733 million ($823 million) are underway for new student residences and facility upgrades. Greece has recovered from its debt crisis, but many Greeks still face low purchasing power due to stagnant wages, high rents, and rising energy costs.