ATHENS (AP) — Protesting Greek school teachers have clashed with police in central Athens during a demonstration against government plans for hiring new teachers.

Riot police fired tear gas to stop protesters from forcing their way past a cordon outside parliament, and later when demonstrators tried to push away a barrier near Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ office.

No arrests or injuries were reported.

About 1,500 people took part in Friday’s demonstration. Teachers’ unions are angry at the selection process under which the government — which faces elections this year — has promised to hire 15,000 new state school teachers in the coming three years.

When the march stopped outside parliament, some demonstrators removed and damaged a wreath that had earlier been laid at the Unknown Soldier’s monument by visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Riot police throw a tear gas canister at teachers and other protesters, during clashes near the Prime Minister’s office in Athens, Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Riot police take cover as teachers and other protesters push police buses during clashes near the Prime Minister’s office in Athens, Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. About 1,500 people took part in the protest. Teachers’ unions oppose the government’s selection process for the planned hiring of 15,000 new teachers over the next three years. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)