Dozens storm economy minister talk in protest against oil

“We’re not leaving here until he (economy minister) leaves,” they shouted.

Dozens of protesters stormed a building in Lisbon on Saturday where a private event with the minister of economy, António Costa Silva, was taking place during a march against Climate Failure.

Outside the building on Avenida Defensores de Chaves, hundreds of protesters from the climate march, an initiative organised by the “Unite Against Climate Failure” coalition, chanted “Out, out Costa Silva”.

Some protesters entered the building where the minister of the economy was at a private event in a space provided by the Association of Accountants to an organisation, and security forces were called in.

Two security force units entered the building, with the protesters ordered to leave and some having to be removed through the use of force.

“We’re not leaving here until he (economy minister) leaves,” they shouted.

Subsequently, a cordon formed by 15 to 20 police officers was set up at the entrance to the building.

Meanwhile, the demonstrators left the site, passing through the Arco do Cego, where they stopped for around 15 minutes, before heading for the Liceu Camões, where they arrived at around 4.30 pm.

A march for the climate was scheduled for Saturday at 2pm in Campo Pequeno, Lisbon, organised by the coalition “Unite Against Climate Failure”, which includes Climaximo, DiEM25, Student Climate Strike – Lisbon, Sciaena, Scientist Rebellion Portugal, Last Resort, UMAR – Union of Women Alternative and Response and Zero – Sustainable Earth System Association.

On Monday last week, the Student Climate Strike Lisbon movement started a protest that included the occupation of six schools and universities in Lisbon to demand the end of fossil fuels by 2030 and the resignation of the minister of economy and maritime affairs.

The occupations coincide with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, until November 18.

Source: LUSA