Hundreds of public administration workers took to the streets of Lisbon this Thursday, protesting against low wages and demanding better public services. The demonstration, organized by the Common Front of Public Administration Unions, saw participants march from the Basilica da Estrela to the Palácio de São Bento, chanting slogans like "health, education, social security are universal rights" and "the struggle continues".
At the heart of their demands is a 15% salary increase, with a minimum raise of 150 euros, which they argue is essential for recovering purchasing power. Sebastião Santana, coordinator of the Common Front, emphasized the feasibility of this demand, suggesting that reallocating budget items could facilitate even greater increases.
The protest also highlighted broader concerns about the state of public services. Tiago Oliveira, general secretary of the CGTP, criticized the government for neglecting public services and accused it of being "committed to right-wing policies" that exacerbate workers' hardships. The integrated system for performance management and evaluation in public administration (SIADAP) was also lambasted as unsuitable for valuing public workers' careers.
Amidst the rally, the sounds of Grândola Vila Morena by Zeca Afonso and drumbeats from a group of young protesters filled the air, as they led the march towards the parliament.
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