A peaceful demonstration by teachers, parents, and students outside the Primary Education Directorate in central Athens erupted into chaos on Thursday, when riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.

The protest took place in the Metaxourgeio district, where demonstrators had gathered to oppose government plans to merge 15 classes across 12 primary schools — a move educators say will harm learning conditions and overcrowd classrooms.

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Riot Police Deployment and Clashes

According to reports from the scene, dozens of demonstrators — including children and education workers — were met with a strong police presence. Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to enter the building, prompting riot police (MAT) to use chemical agents and flash-bang grenades to push them back.

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Despite the police intervention, the crowd remained outside the education offices, joined by public-sector employees, continuing to demand the withdrawal of police forces and the cancellation of the planned class mergers.

Protesters Condemn “Anti-Educational” Measures

Teachers’ unions and parent associations described the government’s policy as “anti-educational and socially unjust,” arguing it undermines public education and students’ rights.

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The rally included representatives from parent associations across multiple Athens districts, such as Galatsi, Kaisariani, Vyronas, Dafni-Ymittos, Zografou, and Ilioupoli. Participants called for joint action between educators and families, urging parents to hold local assemblies and plan further protests.

Organizers announced additional demonstrations, including:

  • A rally outside the Ministry of Education on Monday, October 27.
  • Local mobilizations at schools and neighborhoods ahead of Greece’s October 28 national holiday.
  • Participation in a nationwide education rally on November 6.

Political Reactions and Police Response

Opposition politicians Nikos Pappas (SYRIZA) and Nasos Iliopoulos (New Left) visited the site, condemning what they called “unprovoked and excessive police violence.”

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The Hellenic Police (EL.AS.), however, downplayed the scale of the incidents, claiming that members of parent associations and activist groups attempted to force entry into the building and that police responded with limited use of tear gas and stun devices to restore order.

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Broader Context

The dispute over school mergers is part of a wider debate in Greece over public education funding and staffing shortages. Teachers’ unions have repeatedly warned that class consolidations could reduce teaching quality and increase inequality between schools.

For now, the protesters have vowed to continue their mobilizations, saying they will not allow “our children’s right to proper education to be sacrificed for budget cuts.”