Athens students protest over shortage and high cost of housing

Student associations of Athens encourage students to come out On September 16, at a protest rally near the Ministry of Finance, demanding increased funding for student housing.

However, the day will not be limited to this protest event: from noon, civil servants, doctors and other trade unions will join the protests in the center of the capital.

Student gathering is scheduled for 11:00 at the Ministry of Finance. According to in.grthey demand dedicated funding for student housing and an increase in the number of available places in dormitories.

After the rally at the ministry, the participants intend to head to parliament, where 13:00 there will be a much larger demonstration.

The student action was joined by the associations of faculties of the University of Athens, the Economic University of Athens, the National Technical University and the University of Western Attica, as well as representatives of several student dormitories.

The problem of student housing in Greece has become particularly acute this year. The Athens News recently wrote that small apartments near universities are already rented for €500–610 per monthwhile government hostels are able to accommodate only a small proportion of students.

Options costing up to €300 have practically disappeared from the market. We provided detailed prices for Athens, Thessaloniki and other student cities in separate guide to student rentals.

Not only students will protest on September 16

Same day ADEDY announced a work stoppage in Attica With 12:00 until end of shift. The central meeting of civil servants is scheduled for 13:00 at Syntagma Square.

The action comes amid discussions on constitutional reform and the government’s plans to change regulations regarding the permanent status of civil servants.

Healthcare workers are also joining the protest. POEDIN announced a pan-Natic ​​work stoppage from 12:00 until the end of the shift and also called on its members to go to Syntagma at 13:00.

The Federation of Hospital Doctors OENGE supported the action. EKAB staff are also involved, although the ambulance service will work with security personnel to provide emergency services.

Separately court officials conduct a pan-Greek three-hour work stoppage from 12:00 to 15:00. In Athens, their initial gathering will take place at the court complex on Evelpidon, after which participants are also called to join the rally on Syntagma.

Closures expected in central Athens

Thus, we are no longer talking about one student demonstration, but about several actions at once, which will converge in the center of Athens at approximately the same time.

There is no official separate strike on the metro, tram or buses at the time of publication. However, due to rallies and marches, delays, route changes and operational street closures should be expected.

The most likely traffic problems in the area are Syntagmas, Panepistimiou, Stadiou, Amalias, Vasilissis Sophias and surrounding streets. The police usually announce or impose precise restrictions depending on how the situation develops.

Unrest is also possible

A separate risk factor is the possible joining of anarchist and anti-authoritarian groups in the processions. Such actions in Athens are not always announced in advance and often arise spontaneously during large student and trade union demonstrations.

According to many years of observations by the editors of Athens News, it is precisely such mass actions that often become a point of attraction for radical groups. The most tense areas in such cases are traditionally around the Polytechnio, Exarchia and university buildings in the center of Athens.

If radical groups do join the protests, clashes with police, burning of garbage containers, damage to storefronts, bus stops and other city infrastructure cannot be ruled out.

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