PCP accuses government of selfishness over constitutional rights

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) accused the government of being "selfish" for failing to guarantee constitutional rights, responding to the prime minister's earlier criticism of protesters. The party scheduled a parliamentary interpellation for Friday on worsening living conditions. Communist leader Paula Santos returned the accusation after the prime minister urged protesters not to act on "selfish reasons." The debate covers housing amid protests in Porto, and occurs the day before a CGTP national demonstration against rising living costs and for better wages, pensions, and public services. The PCP demands concrete measures and requested the presence of the Economy, Finance, and Housing ministers in parliament, arguing the government has been incapable of addressing the country's problems.