Thousands of people demonstrated in several Portuguese cities on Saturday, demanding better pay, higher pensions and measures to tackle soaring housing costs.
The rallies were organised by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), with major gatherings taking place in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra.
In the capital, protesters marched from Cais do Sodré to Rossio Square, carrying banners calling for wage increases and affordable housing. CGTP Secretary-General Tiago Oliveira joined union members at the front of the procession.
Demonstrators voiced frustration over low salaries and expensive rents, arguing that household incomes were failing to keep pace with everyday expenses.
Housing campaigners also planned to establish a protest camp in Rossio Square at 5pm local time to draw attention to the country’s accommodation problems.
Meanwhile, several thousand people gathered in Porto, marching between Praça da Batalha and Praça D. João I in support of improved wages, pensions and public services.
The procession was joined by approximately 100 young housing activists, who carried signs and a tent symbolising their demand for affordable homes.
Crowds applauded the activists as they reached the square, where the gathering extended onto nearby pavements.
Housing campaign spokesperson Cristiana Leal said demonstrations would continue until living conditions improved. A public assembly was also scheduled for 7pm.
The protests followed a police operation in Porto on Thursday morning that dismantled a housing protest encampment.
Socialist Party leader José Luís Carneiro expressed support for the demonstrators while urging participants to protest responsibly.
He called on police to ensure that any use of force was appropriate and proportionate and demanded clarification of the earlier operation.
The General Inspectorate of Internal Administration is examining the circumstances surrounding Thursday’s police intervention.
Saturday’s nationwide mobilisation brought together workers, trade union representatives and housing activists seeking government action on wages, pensions, public services and the affordability of housing.