Thousands of protesters arrive with bombs among applause to D. João I

Mislanders of protesters arrived today at Praça D. João I, in Porto, to join hundreds of other popular who awaited the demonstration to the sound of music, sun and under the surveillance of dozens of intervention police.

It was at 5:15 p.m., with the slogan “Right to Housing” and the sound of batuques, bombs and palms, that the population received thousands of protesters standing today from Batalha Square in Porto at 4:30 p.m.

In statements to Lusa, the subintendent of PSP, R. Silva, advanced that they left this afternoon from Batalha Square, in Porto, about “600 protesters”, towards Praça D. João I, but Lusa found that along the way through the various arteries of the heart of downtown Porto, they were joining several hundred people, bound for Praça D. João I.

To the sound of the poem “Pedra Filosofal” (1956), written by António Gedeão and sung by Manuel Freire, and with intervention songs and hymns of resistance in Portugal, such as songs by José Afonso and themes such as “With a sparkle in the eyes”, by Sérgio Godinho, several hundreds of popular awaited the arrival of thousands of protesters who are today on the street fighting against the high prices of housing.

To Lusa, Maria Magalhães, 73 years old, born in Esposende and who came to live in Porto, is dressed in black, sitting on the stairs of D. João I Square, waiting for the protesters, with whom he says he agrees.

“ I appeal to the people who are ruling to look at this housing problem. The cost of living, the dwellings that young people cannot afford and cannot afford home. No wonder youth is coming together so that they can have a more dignified future – to build a family and have a worthy future”, he said.

It was in Praça D. João I that on October 15 there was a police charge that caused 37 wounded and that was announced to be in investigation by the prosecutor.

In Plaza D. João I observe dozens of tarpaulins, mattresses, carpets and blankets arranged for the possible camping tonight.

The demonstration in Porto joins the demonstrations taking place in other cities in the country and in other European states such as Spain, France, Italy and Belgium.