PSP and GNR officers march in Lisbon as government leaves 2024 pay deal unfulfilled

Officers gather in Lisbon

Hundreds of PSP officers and GNR guards gathered at Largo de Camões in Lisbon on Thursday, 29 October, for a national protest organised by the ASPP/PSP and APG/GNR associations. According to SIC Notícias, officers travelled by bus from the north and south of the country to join the demonstration. The march was set to end at São Bento, the official residence of the prime minister, where a document listing the main demands would be handed over. Organisers said the procession began at 19:30 because the protest law allows weekday marches only from that hour.

A 2024 pay deal still on paper

Protesters say the government has not honoured an agreement signed in 2024 that promised salary increases, a review of careers and changes to supplements. So far only the risk allowance has been raised, while the other commitments remain outstanding. César Nogueira, president of the APG, told Lusa that GNR guards want pay rises already in 2027 and a revision of their pay statute, which has not changed since 2009. He said this leaves officers demotivated and losing tens of euros. Paulo Santos, president of the ASPP, said the government has not yet been able to present concrete proposals.

Talks and recruitment

Nogueira described the current negotiations with the government as pseudo-negotiation, since nothing concrete has been put forward. Santos asked the government about its budget room and its political willingness to understand what is at stake. He argued that pay is too low to attract candidates, saying young people are not even applying to fill the number of places opened. Speaking to reporters, Santos put the union position plainly:

“We are willing to negotiate, but we cannot pretend that we are negotiating.”

Pedro Moura, the PSP national director, told RTP that pay and working conditions are priorities for the police leadership as well, and he said he understands the frustration. Santos also recalled that when Luís Neves took office as interior minister, he acknowledged that police pay was not attractive and did not match the demands of the job.

Key dates

Several dated points frame the dispute. The GNR pay statute was last changed in 2009, and the pay agreement with the government was signed in 2024. Santos said police have been waiting two years and four months for a formal proposal. On the day of the protest, the march was set to leave Largo de Camões at 19:30.

Housing and next steps

Unions also warn that the housing crisis is hitting security forces, especially officers at the start of their careers. Protest leaders described the current talks as pure entertainment and said the next stage could be different. Santos explained that the route ends at the prime minister's residence because Luís Montenegro is responsible for the agreement, and the demonstrators planned to deliver their document there.