Convened by historian Raquel Varela through social media following the approval of Chega’s bill aiming to ban the use of burqas in public spaces, the initiative is scheduled for 3:30 PM, with gatherings planned at Rossio in Lisbon, Avenida dos Aliados in Porto, and Avenida Central in Braga.
“We want housing, secure employment, time for living, and time to love, quality food. Violence is giving birth on the road and hearing threats from the far-right. We are not afraid,” reads the call to action, which urges collective mobilization in defense of a free, equal, and inclusive society.
Among the demands are the right to decent housing, a reduction in IRS for workers, an end to non-essential night work, the strengthening of public services, and the defense of the right to strike.
It also repudiates sexual and political violence, especially that promoted by ‘bots’ affiliated with the party led by André Ventura, and criticizes the media that follows the far-right agenda.
The university professor opposes both the mandatory use of the burqa and its prohibition, arguing that both represent forms of control over women.
The Chega bill banning clothing that covers the face in public, citing women’s rights and security issues, was approved by PSD, IL, and CDS-PP, but is seen by the left as a measure that stigmatizes the Muslim community.
The project moves to the parliamentary committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees for discussion. After this stage, it returns to the plenary for final global voting. Only after promulgation can it come into force.
