PSP and GNR protest: 'Police also demand better wages and better housing'
Police unions have organized a demonstration for today, 29 October, marching to the Prime Minister's official residence to demand improvements to their pay and housing conditions.
Why it matters
The demonstration may cause local disruptions in Lisbon as protesters march toward the Prime Minister's official residence.
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The National Prison Guard Union (SNGP) has announced a general strike across all 49 Portuguese prisons running from 17 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. The action will suspend conjugal visits, limit family food and clothing drop-offs, and confine most inmates to their cells for 22 hours per day.
Protesters occupying Rossio square for housing rights began leaving late Wednesday night, though a smaller group remained into Thursday, 29 October. Protesters plan to return to Rossio later on Thursday, 29 October, and have scheduled a new march from Marquês de Pombal to Rossio for Saturday, 31 October, which may involve setting up tents again.
Following police intervention during recent housing rights demonstrations, protesters in Porto have received authorization to stay overnight in Praça D. João I, provided they remove their tents and maintain noise levels. This follows violent confrontations between police and demonstrators in Lisbon and Porto on the early morning of Sunday, 25 October, which resulted in 33 injuries and 33 arrests. The Inspectorate-General of Internal Administration and the Ombudsman have both requested urgent explanations regarding the police actions.