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February 12th, 2012 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda Demonstrators from across the country gathered at Lisbon’s Palace Square on Saturday to protest the economic hardships ensuing Portugal’s bailout in 2011. The protesters were carrying banners reading slogans such as “The struggle continues” and “No to exploitation, no to inequality, no to impoverishment.”
Officials from the CGTP union, which had called the rally, said 300,000 people had joined the protest.
The CGTP is Portugal’s largest trade union which refused to sign a pact with the government on labor market reforms last month.
In May 2011, Portugal agreed to sell public companies as well as implement labor reforms, such as introducing shorter holidays, in return for a loan of EUR 78 billion (USD 103 billion) from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
The foreign creditors will soon start a quarterly evaluation of the implementation of spending cuts in Portugal, made in exchange for the aid package.
However, many people in Portugal complain their purchasing power has seriously decreased, while unemployment rates soar.
“Austerity did not create wealth. The country needs the rope around its neck to be removed so that it can breathe, live and work,” CGTP’s Secretary General Armenio Carlos said.
“Net salary is at 432 euros, while the poverty line is at 434 euros, and that concerns currently … 400,000 workers” in Portugal, he said.
The CGTP official vowed that the street protests will continue and promised a fresh wave of rallies by the end of February.
MRS/MA/HJL
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