Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across Portugal today (Saturday, October 17) in a nationwide protest against the rising cost of living, with demonstrations planned in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra.
Organised by trade union confederation CGTP, the protests are taking place under the slogan “Higher wages, better pensions and public services | Against the rising cost of living | A new direction for Portugal!”
Demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 10.30am in Porto and Coimbra, while the main gathering in Lisbon will start at 2.30pm, with protesters marching from Cais do Sodré to Rossio.
In Porto, demonstrators will gather at Praça da Batalha before marching to Praça D. João I, which has become a focal point for housing protests over the past week.
Protesters who had been occupying the square decided not to spend Friday night there, citing inadequate conditions, but are expected to return today.
Speaking to Lusa news agency, CGTP secretary-general Tiago Oliveira said the demonstrations were intended to give a voice to people struggling with the sharp increases in housing costs, fuel prices and the cost of essential groceries.
He also criticised what he described as the deterioration of public services, urging those facing everyday financial difficulties to make themselves heard and challenge current government policies.
Thousands are expected to attend the Lisbon demonstration. Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas acknowledged that the protests were motivated by a legitimate cause but warned that demonstrations “must remain within the law”.
Tensions following Porto police intervention
The nationwide protests come amid heightened tensions following police intervention at a housing demonstration in Porto last week.
Portugal’s Internal Administration Inspectorate-General (IGAI) has opened an inquiry into the police operation at Praça D. João I, where officers intervened against demonstrators.
According to RTP, the Public Security Police (PSP) identified seven people during the incident.
The controversy has prompted differing reactions from political leaders.
Chega leader André Ventura defended the police response, suggesting that extremist elements may have infiltrated the Porto demonstration.
Socialist Party (PS) secretary-general José Luís Carneiro urged protesters to express their dissatisfaction while respecting democratic rules.
Meanwhile, Liberal Initiative leader Mariana Leitão called for accountability over the police intervention. Speaking to RTP Notícias, she also criticised the Communist Party (PCP) and Left Bloc (BE) over their roles in Portugal’s housing crisis and warned that escalating demonstrations could lead to unrest similar to that seen in France and Albania.
Prime Minister condemns threats
The protests also follow comments by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on Friday, when he condemned what he described as direct threats against his home and family.
Speaking in Brussels, Montenegro referred to a video in which a speaker at an apparent protest called for his home address to be found and a brick thrown at the property.
The Prime Minister denied having accused Porto demonstrators of selfishness and insisted that he respected the right to peaceful protest, while rejecting calls for violence.
The Movimento pela Habitação (Housing Movement) has since distanced itself from the threats, calling for calm and urging demonstrators to remain peaceful.
Today’s demonstrations are expected to bring renewed attention to Portugal’s housing crisis and the wider pressures facing households, as trade unions demand higher incomes, stronger public services and measures to tackle rising living costs.