Students, teachers and public-sector workers marched through central Athens on Wednesday, demanding more funding for education , smaller classes , better facilities and 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 movement calling for better-funded education , affordable housing and 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 people took 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 support and more investment in public education .
The rally ended peacefully shortly before 2pm, reflecting mounting pressure on the Greek government to address education funding and the financial difficulties facing students.