Massive Protest Against 'Uncontrolled Immigration' in Porto Draws Hundreds

Protest Against Immigration in Porto

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, hundreds gathered in Praça Marques de Pombal in Porto, called by the Chega party, to voice their concerns against what they label as "uncontrolled immigration". The atmosphere was charged with drums, flags of Portugal, and slogans demanding an end to illegal immigration.

At approximately 15:40, protesters began chanting "Chega" and "Not one more illegal immigrant", accompanied by whistles and sirens. Banners displayed messages such as "End to illegal immigration", "Trash out of the house", and "Expulsion of immigrants who commit crimes".

Around 16:00, André Ventura, the leader of Chega, arrived to a warm reception of applause from the crowd. An organizer estimated around 900 participants, many of whom traveled from cities like Lisbon, Setúbal, Faro, Leiria, Braga, and Vila Real on six buses.

The demonstration's route included Rua de Santa Catarina, Passos Manuel, concluding at Aliados, where Ventura is set to deliver a speech.

Simultaneously, an anti-racist protest organized by various groups commenced from Campo 24 de Agosto, aiming to finish at Praça da Batalha, also in Porto.