Μake us preferred on Google Greek students set up tents outside the Ministry of Finance in Athens on Wednesday to protest what they described as a growing student housing crisis and rising living costs that are making it harder for thousands of young people to continue their studies.
The students said university dormitories across Greece currently meet just 4.8% of housing needs nationwide. In Athens, they said the number of available student rooms has fallen by at least 800 over the past six years.
Student Demonstration Outside the Ministry of Finance (Giannis Panagopoulos/Eurokinissi)
They also pointed to a lack of student housing at universities in the capital, saying that six of Athens’ nine higher education institutions do not have student dormitories.
Students call for higher housing support
The protesters said a sharp increase in rents has placed a significant burden on family budgets and made student accommodation increasingly difficult to find and afford.
They are calling for the monthly student housing allowance to be increased to €500, along with an expansion of the number of students eligible for the benefit.
Their demands also include the introduction of rent caps and measures to reduce energy costs.
Student Demonstration Outside the Ministry of Finance (Giannis Panagopoulos/Eurokinissi)
Calls for free student services
As reported in ertnews, students are also demanding free meals, transportation and internet access for all university students.
They are calling for immediate renovations and upgrades to existing student dormitories, arguing that the available facilities need to be improved.
Student Demonstration Outside the Ministry of Finance (Giannis Panagopoulos/Eurokinissi)
The protest comes as students are also expected to participate in a planned demonstration outside the Greek Parliament alongside public-sector employees during discussions on constitutional reform.
Among the issues they are expected to raise is Article 16 of the Greek Constitution, which is connected to the ongoing debate over the establishment and operation of non-state universities.
