Protest rally in Lisbon urges resignation of govm'nt

Portugal has witnessed a mass demonstration urging resignation of the government and new elections.

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Lisbon at the call of the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers. They are protesting against new budget cuts on social spending, layoffs of several thousand state employees and tax hikes.

In May 2011, Portugal requested urgent financial aid from the European Union. Since then, the country has been living on recommendations from the "troika" of international creditors that provide for significant reductions in the budget deficit, including at the expense of social benefits.