Tensions Rise in Lisbon: Right-Wing Activists Clash with Anti-Racism Protesters

Right-Wing Activists Occupy Protest Space in Lisbon

An hour before the start of the scheduled demonstration by the movement "Don't Lean Us Against the Wall", a group of far-right activists occupied the western side of Alameda in Lisbon, where a protest against police actions by the PSP was set to take place.

Spread out with banners and large flags of Portugal, supporters from the Ergue-te party and the Habeas Corpus movement took up a significant area, even forcing an anarchist book vendor to relocate. They aimed to silently oppose the demonstration against the PSP's actions in areas with high concentrations of immigrants and in the outskirts of Greater Lisbon.

In Praça da Figueira, by 3:20 PM, around three hundred people gathered, with a large stage displaying the slogan of the Chega party's concentration, “For Authority, Against Impunity.” A strong but discreet police presence was noted, with nine police vans parked in the square.

The organization was distributing black t-shirts with the slogan and preparing a choreography, as announced by the party's vice-president, Patrícia Carvalho. Only party members and leaders were allowed near the stage, while others were directed to stand back.

Chega's Message

André Ventura, leader of Chega, arrived around 3:30 PM and stated he wanted to convey three messages: all individuals must comply with the law, the police should conduct stronger operations, and the country should prioritize common citizens over criminals. He criticized left-wing parties for alleged hypocrisy and for attempting to damage the image of law enforcement.

Anti-Racism Demonstration

Hundreds were expected at the anti-racism and xenophobia protest named “Don't Lean Us Against the Wall”, opposing police actions towards immigrants in the Martim Moniz area. This protest was a response to a PSP intervention on December 19, which targeted immigrants and was met with backlash from activists and organizations.

Alexandra Leitão from the Socialist Party emphasized that the protest was not against the police but in defense of democratic values, including freedom, equality, and human dignity. She stated the police are a fundamental institution of democracy and should not be used politically to divide.

Mariana Mortágua, coordinator of the Left Bloc, highlighted the importance of unity against racism and solidarity with immigrant communities. João Ferreira from the PCP warned against the political exploitation of security forces, which could turn citizens against each other.

The announcement of the anti-racism protest, which began at 3 PM near Alameda and concluded at Martim Moniz, prompted a response from far-right groups, leading to Chega organizing a supportive vigil for the PSP in Praça da Figueira.

With a discreet police presence, both groups maintained a perimeter as tensions simmered in the city.

Source: Lusa