Anti-austerity movement in Portugal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anti-austerity movement in Portugal |
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| Part of the European sovereign debt crisis | |
Top of the demonstration in Lisbon
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| Date | 12 March 2011 – 15 October 2011 |
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| Caused by | Austerity |
| Methods | Demonstrations, occupations, rioting |
The 12 March Movement or Geração à Rasca (which means "struggling generation") was a series of big protests in Portugal. These events happened in over 10 cities. People protested against the economic crisis and for better worker rights.
These protests were the largest since the 1974 Carnation Revolution. They were special because they were organized by ordinary people. No political parties or worker groups officially supported them. A group of friends, Alexandre de Sousa Carvalho, João Labrincha, and Paula Gil, started it all. They used a Facebook event and a blog to get the word out.
Why People Protested
Before these big protests, many musicians in Portugal were already speaking out. They sang about the tough economic times. Music has always been important in Portuguese protests. It played a big role, even during the 1974 revolution.
Traditional Portuguese music was often heard. Instruments like bagpipes, flutes, and brass instruments were used. The organizers of Geração à Rasca asked musicians to join the marches. They also invited specific artists to perform.
Many protest songs became popular. One song, "Parva Que Sou" by Deolinda, was very inspiring. It talked about how hard it was for young, educated people to find good jobs in Portugal. Another inspiration came from Homens da Luta. They were a comedy duo who won a music festival. Their song was about the "joy of the struggle." It reminded people of protests from the 1960s.
Where People Gathered
On March 12, 2011, about 300,000 people gathered in Porto and Lisbon alone. Protests also took place in many other Portuguese cities. These included Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Viseu, Braga, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Faro, Guimarães, and Leiria.
Portuguese people living in other countries also joined in. They protested outside their country's embassies. These gatherings happened in cities like Barcelona, London, Berlin, The Hague, Madrid, Brussels, New York, and Copenhagen.
What Happened Next
The protests in Portugal had a big effect. They even influenced the May demonstrations in Spain. Those events, in turn, sparked new activities back in Portugal.
On March 23, 2011, Portugal's prime minister, José Sócrates, resigned. This happened after new plans to save money did not pass in the Parliament.
On April 15, 2011, the people who first organized the Geração à Rasca protest created the 12 March Movement. This group of young activists wanted to "Make every citizen a politician." This idea came from the famous Portuguese writer and Nobel Prize winner, José Saramago. They promised to keep working for democracy in all parts of life.
On October 15, 2011, over 80,000 people marched in Lisbon. This was part of a global day of protest. Hundreds of people went past police lines to gather on the steps of the parliament building. There, they held a public meeting. About 20,000 people also protested in Porto.
The 12 March Movement and other groups are still active today. Many people feel they "discovered their voice" during these protests. They are now more aware of political issues. It made society "more alive and awakened."
See also
- List of protests in the 21st century
