The Acampada do Porto movement has reiterated that it will not attend a meeting with the city council on Tuesday, while welcoming Mayor Pedro Duarte’s willingness to hold a public session at Teatro Rivoli. The group said it does not consider the conditions for Tuesday’s meeting at the municipal offices to be in place.
In a letter responding to an invitation from the mayor’s office, the movement said its assembly had already decided against the meeting. It objected to the proposed date and time, saying the invitation came after another assault and did not allow adequate time or provide sufficient assurances of safety and transparency for camp members and supporters.
The group said its decision was not a rejection of institutional dialogue, but reflected its collective decision-making process. It added that, following a police operation to disperse the protest in the early hours of November 1, it had been prioritising care for those involved and legal support for detainees. The operation left more than 30 people injured and seven detained, according to the report.
The protest has been taking place in Praça D. João I since October 10, with participants campaigning over housing costs. The mayor’s office said Duarte had repeatedly expressed his availability for dialogue. It said the proposed Tuesday meeting was also intended to discuss arranging a broader meeting, potentially at Teatro Rivoli or another municipal venue.
Acampada do Porto welcomed the prospect of a public session at Rivoli, which it said had already been approved by its assembly and announced publicly. The movement said housing issues should be discussed in an open public assembly where different positions can participate and receive equal consideration.
More than 100 people were waiting for a popular assembly to begin in Praça D. João I at 7:20 p.m. on Monday. The gathering was due to decide the protest’s plans for the evening and discuss other issues raised by the movement.
Sources: Observador.