Thousands of Portuguese are protesting against soaring prices and for higher wages

Thousands of protesters rallied in central Lisbon today to demand higher wages and pensions, as well as government intervention to curb rising food prices, which they say are choking their already limited incomes, Reuters reported.

Portugal is one of the poorest countries in Western Europe, according to Reuters. Official figures show that over 50% of Portuguese workers earned less than €1,000 a month last year. The minimum wage is only 760 euros per month.

According to Eurostat, the minimum wage in Portugal – measured by purchasing power parity rather than current prices – was €681 per month in 2023, the 12th lowest of the 15 European Union countries , in which there are minimum wages. In comparison, the minimum wage in Poland is 726 euros, in Greece 775 euros and in Spain 798 euros.

Portugal’s largest trade union CGTP CGPT (General Confederation of Portuguese Workers), which is calling on all affiliated unions to join a national demonstration in central Lisbon, is calling for an increase in wages and pensions of at least 10% and asking the government to impose price ceilings for basic food products.

Portuguese Economy Minister Antonio Costa Silva yesterday ruled out any government intervention to stop rising food prices, saying the market is the best price-setting mechanism.

Since January 1, salaries for civil servants have increased by an average of 3.6% compared to 2022, those in the private sector – by 5.1%, and pensions have increased by a maximum of 4.83%, data from the state administration show.

Inflation in Portugal slowed to 8.2% in February from 8.4% the previous month. The prices of unprocessed food products, such as fruits and vegetables, increased by 20.11%.

A year after Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa won a majority in parliament, he is facing street protests and strikes by teachers, doctors, railway workers and others, according to Reuters.