Thousands of Students and Teachers March in Athens Over Cost of Living, Education Funding

Thousands of students and teachers marched through the Greek capital, Athens, on Wednesday to demand affordable student housing and more state investment in education, as protests that have swept Europe spread further. Similar demonstrations were held in other Greek cities, including Thessaloniki in the north and the western port city of Patras. Rising living costs, including higher fuel prices, and anger over the state of schools and student housing have fueled protests across Europe, with violence at demonstrations in France, Italy and Albania. Engineering student Panagiotis Moschonas, 20, criticized the conservative government's rent subsidy of 120 euros ($135) a month, saying it covers less than half a rent and is paid at year's end. Riot police shadowed the march and conducted spot checks and bag searches, while shops along the route lowered shutters. Teachers declared a strike for Wednesday.

Alternative / independent outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while left-leaning and right-leaning outlets had. The left-leaning Washington Post, in the portion available, focuses on the marchers and their demands for housing and education funding. The right-leaning New York Post and Washington Times use the same core account; the New York Post adds the student's criticism, policing, shop precautions and the wider European unrest.