Porto protesters invite mayor, vow to stay until year's end

On the ninth day of protests in Porto, demonstrators remain camped at Praça D. João I despite police warnings of disobedience, and have formally invited Mayor Pedro Duarte to meet them. The movement's organization has filed a pre-notice to stay until December 31, 2026. Protesters voted to keep their tents overnight after police issued a deadline, with spokesperson Catarina Borges vowing the movement will continue. Sunday morning saw demonstrators clean the square themselves after debating whether to allow municipal cleaning services, with some forming a human cordon to block them. A march supporting Brazilian presidential candidate Lula da Silva passed through the square, drawing chants and applause from both groups. The camp has criticized Mayor Pedro Duarte through posters and leaflets, with protesters claiming no official meeting invitation was received. Spokesperson Maria João Calisto said the pre-notice aims to achieve solutions, not necessarily remain until year's end, acknowledging the hardship of sleeping in the square.