The key facts

  • The march took place on November 5 from the University of Athens to Syntagma Square in front of parliament
  • Police estimated participation at around 4,000 people in Athens and Thessaloniki; organizers disputed this figure
  • The OLME union held a four-hour work stoppage starting at 10 a.m.

March in Athens and the protesters' demands

On November 5, 2026, a student action took place in Athens calling for increased education funding, as reported by euronews. The rally began at 11 a.m. at the University of Athens, after which the column marched to Syntagma Square, where participants gathered in front of parliament behind police cordons. The protesters carried banners reading

Headcount and organizational support

Police estimated the total number of participants in Athens and Thessaloniki at around 4,000 people — noticeably fewer than the 20,000 who, according to the same report, marched in 50 Greek cities on October 21. The organizers disputed the police estimate. The secondary school teachers' union OLME supported the action with a four-hour work stoppage starting at 10 a.m. so that teachers could join the march.

Specific demands and economic backdrop

The participants' demands are specific: more state funding, urgent inspections and repairs of school buildings, permanent positions to fill thousands of vacancies, smaller class sizes, as well as the cancellation of new national exams and opposition to a proposal to remove Article 16 of the constitution, which protects public higher education. The cost of living also featured in the action: students cited monthly rent of 800 euros and said many can no longer afford to study; unions are demanding a monthly housing allowance and caps on rents.