'To study or to survive': Thousands of Greek students and teachers march through Athens as cost-of-living protests spread across Europe

Panagiotis Moschonas, a 20-year-old engineering student, said the conservative government's 120-euro monthly rent subsidy 'isn't even enough for half a rent', and that it is only paid at the end of the year. Teachers announced a strike for Wednesday, while similar marches took place in Thessaloniki and Patras. Riot police accompanied the Athens march, stopping and searching those on their way to join it.

Rising fuel costs and unaffordable student housing are driving protests across the continent.

Demonstrations have already turned violent in France, Italy and Albania.

Teacher Ioannis Rompas said families are 'struggling to make it to the end of the month'.