Not more than a thousand people have already descended Avenida da Liberdade at the start of the Chega party demonstration, “Portugal is not Racist”, according to the Observer found at the PSP. The police device is now concentrated together on the sides of the avenue, which is cut off from traffic, with several vans of the PSP Intervention Corps visible, and dozens of agents on foot, leading the demonstration to Terreiro do Paço. Among the popular, there are shouts of “Portugal, Portugal”, “Police want Respect” and “Elitist politicians Portugal is not racist”. At the start, the lament among the militants was that there were “more policemen than militants”.
Scheduled for this Saturday, at 2 pm, the demonstration “Portugal is not racist”, organized by the Chega party, strictly follows the indications of the Metropolitan Command of the Lisbon PSP – with whom the party met, several times, to set the strategy security – in order to avoid confrontation and violence. Coming to the Restauradores, the march has not been marked by any violent act or confrontation.
Demonstration called by Chega. Photo of Filipe Amorim
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There are two risks already identified, both by Chega and by the security forces: on the one hand, the mobilization of demonstrators from the radical left to the Marquês do Pombal, and on the other hand, the infiltration of extreme right elements, related to Mário Machado, former leader of the New Social Order and the Hammerskins.
The political objective of the demonstration is, according to the deputy, to show that “the street is not just leftist or union movements”. In this sense, Chega militants from all over the country are expected to participate, who will be able to count on the party’s logistical support for travel, elements of the security forces – such as the Zero Movement, close to the party structure – and a “Silent majority” of voters.
To the Observer, André Ventura affirms that the party is mobilized to “avoid the participation of violent militants”, but recognizes that the “risk exists”. On the interference of radical elements in the demonstration, with the intention of boycotting it – a scenario also foreseen by the PSP and which, therefore, will not neglect the safety of the side streets to Avenida da Liberdade – the deputy already has a strategy: “We will not answer insults. We want to show that we know how to organize an orderly demonstration ”.
Demonstration called by Chega. Photo Filipe Amorim
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The march, which was scheduled to end at the Palace of Belém, the official residence of the President of the Republic, was forced to shorten the route due to “security” and “public health” issues. “We have to do everything possible to avoid risking contempt or contagion by Covid-19”, adding that several party volunteers will be distributing masks and alcohol gel.
The goal now is at Terreiro do Paço, where André Ventura will speak – a “short” speech, as he himself acknowledges, to avoid “conflicts”. But with enough time to talk about the issues that led him to call for this demonstration, such as the fact that “Portugal is not racist” or “disrespect for the security forces”.
Arrives maintains Saturday demonstration and expects 1,500 participants
André Ventura also says that the demonstration intends to give a voice to those who think that in Portugal “there is no racist culture” and assumes comparisons in terms of mobilization with the demonstration against racism, Black Lives Matter, of 6 June. Which does not mean, he guarantees, that the parade will “promote racism”.
“The last ceremonies or festive moments that we attended, people were indignant. We know that this is true because we did our homework before calling for this march. I am convinced that we will make a turning point in the history of right-wing demonstrations ”, says Ventura.
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