Cost-of-living protests hit Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, Funchal, and Algarve

Protests against the rising cost of living are taking place in several cities across the country today, with demonstrations organized by the CGTP union in Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon, as well as initiatives in Funchal and the Algarve. A strike by cultural workers threatens to disrupt programming at theaters and other venues. In Lisbon, a camp is planned for Rossio Square in the late afternoon, similar to an initiative that began a week ago in Porto. Morning demonstrations are scheduled in Porto and Coimbra, while the Lisbon march departs from Cais do Sodré in the afternoon. The strike, called by the union for entertainment, audiovisual, and music workers, demands wage increases. Several theaters have already warned of canceled performances due to the strike, though the full impact is not yet known. The protests reflect widespread public discontent over the increasing cost of living.