The interior minister said this Sunday that he respects the protests allowed by the security forces during World Youth Day (WYD), but believes they will not let the country down.
“I want to say that I have security forces, PSP and HP, an example of great patriotism, they are real patriots, and our police and our security will not let the country down, this is what I know from a reliable source.”, – said José Luis Carneiro in Guimarães, Braga district, in statements to RTP.
The government official was calm, referring to the fact that unions use these moments to draw attention to their concerns.
Public Security Police (PSP) leaders are considering “stopping activities” during WYD if the guardianship does not respond to their demands, the president of the union representing them told Lusa on Saturday.
Previously, organizations representing the security forces had already announced “unusual fighting” during the WYD to put pressure on the government to accept the claims made, namely wage increases, discounts on healthcare subsystems and conditions of service.
José Luis Carneiro said that “very soon” the Minister of the Interior will meet again with all trade unions to continue the work that has been carried out in some areas.
“Efforts have been made, but we know that there are still aspects that need to be improved, because some cases are problems with 12, 15, 20 and even 30 years, and it is impossible to solve them all at once,” he stressed. .
To the claims of unions and associations of law enforcement professionals, the state official replied that they would have a pay increase and that investments were being made, for example, in housing.
According to the minister, the National Directorate of PSP guarantees everything necessary so that the police officers who will be present at the WYD, which will be held in Lisbon in August, can contribute to the “high moment” in the country. .
Lisbon has been chosen by Pope Francis for this year’s World Youth Day, which will take place from 1 to 6 August, with the main ceremonies taking place in Tagus Park, north of the Parc des Nations, on the banks of the river. Tagus, on the lands of the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures.