Greece: Students and unions stage national strikes over cost of living
Students pitched tents at Syntagma Square and ADEDY called a public-sector strike as thousands protested on 21 October 2026.
Unions and student groups across Greece staged national strikes and street protests on 21 October 2026, mobilising against rising living costs and pressing for greater investment in public education.
Students camp at Syntagma; public sector joins
In Athens, students set up tents on Syntagma Square yesterday afternoon in front of the Greek Parliament as part of their protest. Their public demands include lower rents, bigger housing subsidies, expanded student accommodation and additional teaching staff.
Authorities deployed around 3,000 police officers in the capital to try to prevent disturbances similar to those that have occurred in several other European cities.
The confederation ADEDY called a public-sector strike to coincide with the demonstrations. The union said the action was intended to show solidarity with the education protests and to enable employees, including parents, to take part in rallies and gatherings.
Organisers described the day as a national mobilisation: student groups focused on campus and housing issues while trade unions linked the protests to broader complaints about the cost of living and cuts to public services.
Demonstrations and industrial action were reported in multiple cities as participants sought to pressure the government for immediate relief measures and long-term investment in schooling and student welfare.
Photo: press material from the event
