Portuguese people protest cost of living, demand pay rise

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - A large crowd protested against the cost of living crisis in the Portuguese capital Lisbon on Saturday.

Thousands, including pensioners and workers, took part in the demonstration organized by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) under the slogan "national state of emergency."

CGTP representatives called on the government to guarantee a wage increase of at least 10% in the face of the worsening cost of living crisis in Portugal.

The demonstrators also called on the authorities to take immediate action in the face of workers' workplace discontent.

Meanwhile, consumer associations said that the rise in food prices continues despite the drop in energy prices, pointing to the 50% annual increase in prices of some products, particularly milk, sugar, eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce.

According to local media reports, the leftist government has strengthened market controls against food price increases and taken measures to set a price ceiling for some products.