Thousands of private and public employees from all over the world Portugaldemonstrated today in Lisbon, demanding higher wages and measures to combat the high cost of living.

“The cost of living is unbearable” and “It is unacceptable to become poor while working,” chanted the marchers along the main avenue of the capital.

“The situation is really difficult,” commented Inacio Catela, 61, from Torres Ventras, about 60 kilometers from Lisbon. “We need to re-energize our work, our careers and our salaries,” explained Raquel Silva, 42, a hospital administrator in central Portugal.

Inflation at 30-year high in 2022

This demonstration was initiated by the General Confederation of Workers (CGTU) one day after a general strike in the public sector demanding higher wages. The CGTP is also calling for a price hold on essential goods, an end to rising rents and mortgages, and measures to combat job insecurity.

In 2022, inflation reached 7.8%, the highest level in 30 years.

“We demand an increase, but a real increase above inflation, to restore and strengthen the purchasing power of families,” CGTP General Secretary Isabelle Camarinha told the protesters. “We want an increase of at least 10% and at least 100 euros for all employees,” he added.

^{Source: APE-MEB, AFP.}