Akhir 14, 1432 H/March 19, 2011, SPA -- Thousands demonstrated in Lisbon on Saturday to demand jobs, better pay and an end to austerity measures introduced by the Socialist government which is rushing to cut spending and avoid a bailout, according to Reuters. Protestors waving flag and banners filled Lisbon's main avenue, but the demonstration was smaller than last Saturday's march when an estimated 200,000 people took to the streets. "These policies will lead the country into chaos," said Joao Antonio Marques, 67, a pensioner taking part in the protest. "This government's policies are those of (German) Chancellor (Angela) Merkel, this is Europe for the rich." Organized by the CGTP umbrella union, the protest took place as Portugal's government faces a growing challenge to convince investors and Brussels it can contain its budget deficit and avoid the fate of Greece and Ireland in seeking a bailout. Armenio Carlos, a CGTP leader, said this "is a massive protest against the government," estimating the turnout was in the tens of thousands. Police would not give figures on the number of protestors.
