insufficient measures
The year began with a wave of strikes and public demonstrations, as people in Portugal voiced dissatisfaction with the government led by Antonio Costa. Rallies and work stoppages touched several sectors, notably education, health, and rail transport. The central grievance was a drop in purchasing power driven by rising inflation. Crowds filled Lisbon streets to protest the mounting cost of living and demand real wage growth for workers across the country.
Discontent surged to levels not seen since the troika era, when austerity weighed heavily on working conditions. Unions argued that wage increases had fallen short. In response, the government announced a civil servant raise of 52 euros per month, lifting pay up to 2,600 euros gross, along with an 8% rise in the minimum wage to 761 euros. Overall, civil servants saw an average salary increase of around 3.6%. Eurostat data for 2022 show an inflation rate of 8.1%, underscoring the real-world squeeze felt by households.
high inflation
The General Confederation of Portuguese Workers, known as CGTP, argued that public employees faced impoverishment in the name of budget stability. They called attention to what they described as modest wage gains, even as the country posted economic growth and rising exports in 2022. The unions pointed out that many workers felt the effects of higher living costs despite these macroeconomic indicators, stressing a disconnect between national performance and personal finances.
CGTP pressed for a higher minimum wage, urging an increase from 760 euros to 850 euros per month and an additional minimum €100 per month for all workers. They also demanded measures beyond energy and distribution sectors, including price controls on essential goods and a tax on the earnings of large corporations. A union representative insisted that preserving workers’ purchasing power is essential for sustained national development.
absolute majority
Inflation remained stubborn, though February data showed a slight decline to 8.2% from 8.4% in the previous month. The National Statistics Institute highlighted significant price rises in the food sector, with some items climbing as much as 20% year over year. Housing costs added pressure, as rents stayed high in major cities and mortgage rates eroded family budgets. The government’s housing plan, which proposed making tens of thousands of vacant properties available, failed to quell the protests and sparked further debate about housing policy.
In the weeks that followed, citizen platforms took to Lisbon’s streets to demand stronger government action. Movements like Just Life united thousands to advocate for social justice, while the European Coalition for Action rallied for the right to housing in upcoming demonstrations. Additional mobilizations by doctors, teachers, and workers from the state rail company Comboios de Portugal further disrupted nationwide services, highlighting ongoing tensions between authorities and labor groups.
Despite government efforts to raise salaries through an income agreement reached the previous October, CGTP argued that a parliamentary majority aligned with the Socialist Party hindered meaningful negotiation. The union warned that increased mobilization could persist in the coming months, signaling ongoing friction between workers and policymakers. Advisory voices suggested that the political balance would be tested as protests and workplace actions continued in the major cities across the country.