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Thousands March Against Racism Portugal

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

Protesters previously took to the streets of Lisbon to march for justice after George Floyd was murdered. Credit: Resisterforever, Twitter.

In “one of the biggest demonstrations” against racism in Portugal, over one hundred civic organisations have overseen the development of thousands of activists in their attempt to march through the streets of Lisbon on Saturday, January 11, as they fight for justice against discriminative action on immigrants residing in the country.

Protest against police threats in local areas

Demonstrators will flock to Martim Moniz at 3pm on Saturday, and protest their rights as citizens of Lisbon and Portugal, in a passionate backlash against the recent police reinforcement that has been witnessed in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, where many immigrants reside and work locally.

Throughout December and January, police have increased their presence in the area, known to many as the most multicultural section of the Portuguese capital, as authorities aim to clamp down on illegal occupation and tackle immigration. Police have seized weapons from some individuals, and continue to regularly stop and search countless citizens in the area, with the majority having nothing to hide.

Restore autonomy to immigrant communities in Lisbon

Organisations such as Solidariedade Imigrante have thus rallied in number as they manage the fight back against discrimination, which has left many residents, with their families, in a state of fear. Sources say the campaign will restore some autonomy and empowerment to the people of Lisbon who feel they are marginalised and wrongly targeted.

“We are against the idea of using the powers of the state itself to reinforce insecurity and to blame immigrants for everything that happens in the country”, Anabela Rodrigues, a representative of the civic organisation told media outlets.

A spokesperson said: “These enormous operations in which the idea is to bring the press behind them to once again say ‘this is happening because of this relationship of immigrants versus criminality’”, will hopefully push the government to act and assess its treatment of immigrants, according to the organisations and thousands of protesters in the capital.

The appeal argues that all people living and working in Portugal, regardless of their status, social capital or background, must be treated with dignity and that the police interference and aggressiveness has to be stopped.

Campaign backed by parties in Portugal

The campaign is backed by parties the Left Bloc, Portuguese Communist Youth, Socialist, and Free Youth.

Oprimidos Group, one of the many organisations campaigning to put an end to the injustice in Lisbon and in Portugal, has said protesters “want to end this xenophobia and racism that is manifested”.

The organisation is joined by others including SOS racismo and Vida Justa, Casa do Brasil de Lisboa, Moinho da Juventude.

Addressing migrant situations is usually the first port of call for any European government when they come under economic, or sociocultural fire, as they tend to see new immigrant demographics as a direct threat to the stability and safety of the area.

On many occasions, however, these individuals are simply seeking to forge a new life, away from the terrors of their home country, where their lives are at risk. Coming into a new culture that marginalises them further angers these people, who bring families, children, and aim to work humbly in the city, so activist organisations have begun their campaigns.

For all the latest news on Portugal, click here.

Related Topics:Anti-racism EuroWeekly immigrants News Portugal Portugal News protest

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Rafa Nadal’s Housing Development Green Lit

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14 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Adam Woodward

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Laguna Beach, site of redevelopment. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona.

Rafael Nadal and hotel entrepreneur Abel Matutes Prats have partnered up to develop two large luxury residential projects on the Costa del Sol.

The Junta de Andalucía has just approved one, the licence for the urban development in the Los Llanos sector, in Estepona, for its attention to environmental sustainability. This approval suggests that the Estepona council plans to approve the development in its next Plenary, scheduled for January.

The initiative includes Palya Invest, based in the Balearic Islands, which owns Palya Casa del Mar, whose board includes Abel Matutes Prats and Sebastián Nadal Homar, Rafa Nadal‘s dad. The project aims to reduce the area of construction for better urban management. The road leading to the project includes a design to create better access to the beach for everyone.

The new remodelled concept is to construct detached homes and semi-detached houses reducing considerably the footprint of each construction, which is estimated to be some 50 houses with 3 floors, and adding many more trees as well as maintaining as many existing ones as possible.

The Los Llanos plot was purchased by Mabel Casa for about €20 million at the end of 2019, making it one of the last virgin real estate developments by the sea on the Costa del Sol.

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Murcia Ends 2024 With Lowest Unemployment In 17 Years

Published

14 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Catherine Mcgeer

murcia-ends-2024-with-lowest-unemployment-in-17-years

The Region of Murcia finished 2024 on a high note, achieving its lowest unemployment figures since 2007.

December saw a reduction of 1,087 jobseekers, bringing the total number of unemployed to 78,956. This marks a 5.87 per cent drop compared to the previous year, reflecting a strong and steadily improving job market.

December brings positive results

In the final month of 2024, unemployment decreased by 1.36 per cent from November’s figures. The services and agriculture sectors were the biggest contributors to this decline, with significant reductions in jobless numbers. On the other hand, the construction and industrial sectors experienced slight increases in unemployment, highlighting areas where more targeted strategies may be needed.

Consistent growth over four years

This marks the fourth consecutive year of declining unemployment in Murcia. The current figure is the lowest recorded since 2007, showcasing a robust recovery and resilience in the region’s labor market. Murcia’s performance also continues to outpace the national average, demonstrating a dynamic and forward-moving economy.

Regional government efforts pay off

The regional government’s initiatives to stimulate job creation have been instrumental in this progress. Programs aimed at supporting women, young people, and first-time job seekers have driven much of the positive change. The emphasis on these groups not only broadens economic participation but also strengthens long-term employment stability.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

Despite overall progress, there was a slight uptick in temporary contracts, pointing to ongoing challenges in achieving fully secure employment for all. However, Murcia’s labor market remains resilient, and the outlook for 2025 is optimistic. Continued efforts to balance growth across all sectors will be key to maintaining momentum.

With strong foundations and clear growth strategies, Murcia is poised for another year of opportunity, further enhancing its reputation as a region of economic vitality and resilience.

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Streets Cut – Puerto Banús Tunnel

Published

14 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Adam Woodward

Mayor Ángeles Muñoz visits Puerto Banús tunnel. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella.

For those entering Puerto Banús via its tunnel, it’s time to consider an alternative route as there will be closures in the following weeks.

The reasons for the works are to finally sort out the frequent flooding due to insufficient drainage, as well as a broadening of the footpaths to improve the safety of pedestrians.

Work will begin in the direction south, so transit of cars from Puerto Banús to Nueva Andalucía will be allowed, but not the other way around.

The roadblock entails closing off traffic on Calle Segismundo Moret, behind El Corte Inglés, as well as the change in the direction in the part of Calle Los Granados, which runs between the rhinoceros roundabout and Segismundo Moret itself.

The disruption will not affect the exits from the A7 in either direction, as the tunnel lane that goes to Nueva Andalucía remains open and therefore entering the motorway to go to San Pedro Alcántara and everything that is in the direction of Cádiz in general.

Then, from January 20 to February 3, traffic will also be interrupted in the opposite direction, and a lane will be opened again that will allow the passing of vehicles until the works are completed.

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