Portugal: Activist groups to demonstrate in Lisbon April 25 as the country commemorates the Carnation Revolution

Multiple civil organizations plan to join a demonstration in central Lisbon on April 25 as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, which saw the restoration of democracy to the country. All of the demonstrations will take place in Praca Marques de Pombal, a major central square. Education activists will gather in the square from 14:30. Activists calling for the freedom of the Palestinian and Saharawi people will gather in the square around 15:00. The European Democratic Party will lead what is expected to be the largest of the demonstrations in the square from 15:00.

The various groups will likely attract attendance from the low hundreds to several thousand. The accumulated protest group may be large, given the commemoration and various issues motivating the gatherings. Tight security is likely. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized traffic and business disruptions. Although violence is not anticipated, isolated incidents may result in scuffles between protesters and police.