Protesters gathered in Athens as Greece’s parliament voted on the government’s 2026 budget, with demonstrators voicing opposition to proposed spending priorities and economic policies. br br Unions, students and civil society groups took to the streets near parliament, calling for higher wages, stronger social protections and relief from rising living costs. Police were deployed around key government buildings as lawmakers debated the budget inside the chamber. br br The 2026 budget vote comes as Greece continues to balance fiscal discipline with public demands for increased spending on healthcare, education and social services. The government argues the budget is aimed at maintaining economic stability and meeting European fiscal targets, while critics say it places too much strain on ordinary citizens.