In Lisbon, the planned rally is set to start at 3 p.m. at Príncipe Real and conclude at Cais do Sodré. In Porto, the demonstration is scheduled for 10 a.m. beginning at Campo 24 de Agosto and finishing at Avenida dos Aliados. In Coimbra, the rally is to commence at 10:30 a.m. on Avenida Fernão Magalhães (near the health center) and end at Praça 8 de Maio.
In remarks to Lusa, the secretary-general of CGTP expressed confidence that the demonstration will be “a significant moment of struggle” and anticipates that it will take on “even greater importance” in light of the early legislative elections scheduled for May 18, although the protest was organized before these elections were announced.
“It is crucial to find a different direction for the country,” stated Tiago Oliveira, urging political parties to focus “at the center of the discussion” on their proposals concerning various issues, ranging from the National Health Service to wages and even Social Security, rather than discussing “minor cases and issues.”
Under the slogan “More salary and better pensions – Defend public services and the social functions of the State – Social Security, Health, Education, Housing,” the protest targets both the public and private sectors.
To facilitate participation from all workers, “various sectors” have filed strike notices, including commerce, services, and hospitality, as stated by the secretary-general of the union to Lusa.
In its list of demands, CGTP calls for a salary increase of at least 15%, with a minimum of 150 euros for all workers, and an increase in the national minimum wage from the current 870 euros to 1,000 euros.
