Portugal’s president complains about his pension cut
PARIS. January 25. KAZINFORM Protesters gathered outside Portugal's presidential palace to donate money and food to the head of state after he complained about a drop in his pension due to the government's austerity measures.
His remarks sparked a storm of protest, Euronews reports.
Thousands have signed a petition calling for President Anibal Cavaco Silva to resign, bearing in mind the majority of Portugal's elderly exist only a fraction of their president's income.
Its author, Nuno Luís Marreiros was pragmatic about what it would achieve:
" If the petition has no other impact, maybe it will at least show to our politicians that the Portuguese are beginning to protest a bit more and to make their opinions known," he said.
Cavaco Silva's FaceBook page was also targeted. With a declared income of 10,000 euros a month as well as investments, an average Portuguese has to survive on only 900 euros.
Cartoonists have had a field day over his remarks but the president has apologised admitting he expressed himself badly.
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