Thousands of teachers in Portugal took to the streets of the capital city of Lisbon on Saturday (February 11) in the latest round of demonstrations demanding higher pay and better working conditions. The teachers have been calling for an improvement in tenure and career progression, and salaries to keep pace with inflation, a report by a news agency AFP said. The National Federation of Teachers (FENPROF), which is the main union of the teaching profession, said that over 150,000 teachers took part in the rally.

FENPROF Secretary General Mario Nogueira said, "This is probably the biggest demonstration of teachers." Augusto Figueiredo, a technology teacher from Rio Maior, told AFP, "We are outraged," adding, miserable salaries, discriminatory appraisals, and inhuman schedules were the reality of the teaching profession at present.&nbsp;

"We're really tired, no one is listening to us, this government needs to listen to us," Joao Tristao, a sports teacher, told the news agency on Saturday.&nbsp;

Apart from the above demands, the protesting teachers also want their real working hours to be taken into account. Maria da Luz Ribeiro, an English teacher, told AFP that working time had to be released as she expressed concerns about the future of teachers and schools in Portugal. "I was forced to work longer to try to improve my pension," Riberio, who stopped working last year, added.&nbsp;

Saturday's national demonstration in Lisbon comes after a series of protests and rotating strikes, which have led to the closure of schools. Earlier, Portugal's Education Minister Joao Costa said that negotiations with teachers' unions were ongoing and that they hoped to reach an agreement soon.

Portugal is one of Western Europe's poorest countries. Citing government data, a report by the news agency Reuters on Saturday said that more than 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month last year and the minimum wage is 760 euros per month.&nbsp;

The protests are not only limited to teachers. Nurses have been striking lack of career advancement and doctors are expected to walk out for two days in March, Reuters reported. On Thursday, the CGTP, which is Portugal's biggest umbrella union, held protests and strikes across the country against rising prices and urged the government to increase the pay of workers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thousands of teachers in Portugal took to the streets of the capital city of Lisbon on Saturday (February 11) in the latest round of demonstrations demanding higher pay and better working conditions.

Thousands of teachers in Portugal took to the streets of the capital city of Lisbon on Saturday (February 11) in the latest round of demonstrations demanding higher pay and better working conditions. The teachers have been calling for an improvement in tenure and career progression, and salaries to keep pace with inflation, a report by a news agency AFP said. The National Federation of Teachers (FENPROF), which is the main union of the teaching profession, said that over 150,000 teachers took part in the rally. FENPROF Secretary General Mario Nogueira said, "This is probably the biggest demonstration of teachers." Augusto Figueiredo, a technology teacher from Rio Maior, told AFP, "We are outraged," adding, miserable salaries, discriminatory appraisals, and inhuman schedules were the reality of the teaching profession at present. "We're really tired, no one is listening to us, this government needs to listen to us," Joao Tristao, a sports teacher, told the news agency on Saturday. Apart from the above demands, the protesting teachers also want their real working hours to be taken into account. Maria da Luz Ribeiro, an English teacher, told AFP that working time had to be released as she expressed concerns about the future of teachers and schools in Portugal. "I was forced to work longer to try to improve my pension," Riberio, who stopped working last year, added. Saturday's national demonstration in Lisbon comes after a series of protests and rotating strikes, which have led to the closure of schools. Earlier, Portugal's Education Minister Joao Costa said that negotiations with teachers' unions were ongoing and that they hoped to reach an agreement soon. Portugal is one of Western Europe's poorest countries. Citing government data, a report by the news agency Reuters on Saturday said that more than 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month last year and the minimum wage is 760 euros per month. The protests are not only limited to teachers. Nurses have been striking lack of career advancement and doctors are expected to walk out for two days in March, Reuters reported. On Thursday, the CGTP, which is Portugal's biggest umbrella union, held protests and strikes across the country against rising prices and urged the government to increase the pay of workers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are outraged': Teachers in Portugal intensify protest for better pay and working conditions

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia. The proposal to change the law was approved in February in the Catholic-majority country. The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice is in doubt. The vote is expected to take place around midday (local time) today.

Any new bill must then be signed into law by recently re-elected president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who has not publicly taken a position on the issue.

The president can choose to veto the law but a second vote by lawmakers can override the decision.

"People deserve the right to be able to choose," said retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal.

He added he was expecting a "historic day".

The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the draft bills both among its faithful and those of other denominations.

"The Church's position has not changed," spokesman for the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Father Manuel Barbosa told AFP.

"Of course we hope that this law will not be approved."&nbsp;

Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die.

(With AFP inputs)

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia.

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia. The proposal to change the law was approved in February in the Catholic-majority country. The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice is in doubt. The vote is expected to take place around midday (local time) today. Any new bill must then be signed into law by recently re-elected president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who has not publicly taken a position on the issue. The president can choose to veto the law but a second vote by lawmakers can override the decision. "People deserve the right to be able to choose," said retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal. He added he was expecting a "historic day". The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the draft bills both among its faithful and those of other denominations. "The Church's position has not changed," spokesman for the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Father Manuel Barbosa told AFP. "Of course we hope that this law will not be approved." Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die. (With AFP inputs)

Portuguese parliament to vote on euthanasia legalisation

Portugal is now well ahead in its plan to ease lockdown restrictions. It started on 3 May with the reopening of small shops, hairdressers, beauty salons, bookstores and libraries.

Portugal announces credit line worth just 3% of its GDP

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'We are outraged': Teachers in Portugal intensify protest for better pay and working conditions

Portuguese parliament to vote on euthanasia legalisation

Portugal announces credit line worth just 3% of its GDP