In Greece, around 10,000 school pupils, university students and teachers marched peacefully through central Athens to the parliament building.
Protesters called for increased funding for state education, better conditions in educational institutions and higher pay for teachers, Ekathimerini reports.
About 3,000 police officers maintained order amid fears of unrest against the backdrop of large-scale protests in France. The rally passed without violence, although police detained 21 people for checks. For security reasons, the authorities temporarily closed two metro stations.
Among the protesters’ demands were filling vacant posts in schools, repairing educational facilities and simplifying the conditions for transferring students between universities. Young people are also angered by high housing costs.
Participants held placards and chanted slogans in support of demonstrations in France. Similar peaceful rallies took place in Thessaloniki and other Greek cities.
In addition, primary school teachers announced a 24-hour strike, while secondary school teachers and civil servants stopped work for three hours. Doctors at state hospitals also joined the actions, and around 500 pensioners held a separate rally outside Athens City Hall.
These events took place against the backdrop of a Europe-wide wave of protests against the rising cost of living and the housing and energy crises, which have swept France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania.