Lisbon, April 23, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's PSP police, the main urban force, is making a new risk assessment of the various demonstrations planned in Lisbon for the 25 April anniversary of the country's 1974 revolution, taking into account the 2distinct and antagonistic objectives" and their locations, according to officials.

"In view of the diversity and proximity of demonstrations in Lisbon on 25 April, scheduled for the same time, some with parades and with distinct and antagonistic objectives, the PSP is making a new risk assessment, analysing all the dynamics that could disturb public order and tranquillity, and will soon make a decision with the competent administrative authority," the PSP said in a response sent to Lusa.

Initially, the force had given a positive opinion to the proposed demonstrations, taking the view that there was no risk of public disorder resulting from a gathering of far-right activists scheduled for Friday in Martim Moniz square in central Lisbon. But after learning of other demonstrations by political opponents of the far right taking place at the same time and place, it decided to carry out a new risk assessment, the result of which is to be sent to Lisbon city council, according to the police.

The Ergue-te party and Habeas Corpus movement - both on the far right - have announced a "pig on a spit" demonstration to be held in Martim Moniz on Friday afternoon that is also supported by the far-right group 1143 led by Mário Machado, Portugal's best-known neo-Nazi.

On social media, the event is entitled ‘Portugal descends to the caliphate’ in a celebration that organisers claim is patriotic.

Contacted by Lusa, Lisbon city council said that "as is always the case in these cases, the risk assessment and any decisions on the security conditions for the event are defined by the PSP" and that it is on the basis of the opinions of such forces "that the conditions for holding demonstrations in the city are defined."

CMP/ARO // ARO.

Lusa