From Greece to France, thousands of young people are fighting for public, free education

On 21 October 2026, thousands of students, teachers, and parents demonstrated in Athens and dozens of other cities across Greece, chanting “From Greece to France, we’re fighting for public and free education,” as well as the internationalist message: “Greece, Spain, France, Albania - we have taken to the streets for free education.”

“Public and free education, degrees that matter,” demanded thousands of students who demonstrated behind the banners of their unions. Chanting slogans, the students demanded measures to address the rising cost of studying and student housing, the construction of university dormitories, and that no student be removed from enrollment lists.

The protesters also chanted: “Give money for education, not for NATO’s slaughterhouses,” denouncing the policy that considers the needs of public education as a cost and directs public funds towards military preparation.

As noted by the All-Workers Militant Front (PAME), high school and university students “sent a resounding message against the profit-driven policy that leads to greater involvement in war, energy poverty, high prices, intensified exploitation, and the deterioration of healthcare and education,” and adds, among other things: “The attempt by the New Democracy government and the other parties of capital to discredit the struggles of high school and university students failed. The attempt by the government and the mainstream media to create a climate of chaos and terror did not succeed! The police state and the campaign of intimidation and repression designed to prevent participation in the rallies failed.”

The youth protests will continue in the coming days.