Mass strike disrupts Portugal as Fitch cuts credit rating to junk status

PORTUGUESE workers’ strike halted public transport and factories in many parts of the country yesterday and thousands marched to protest against austerity measures imposed as a result of the EU/IMF bailout.

The €78 billion rescue fund is designed to keep Portugal afloat and help stem the debt crisis, but the spending cuts have sent the country into its worst recession in decades.

Protesters marched in Lisbon, with many chanting: “Spain, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, our struggle is international!” referring to spending cuts across Europe. “Let bankers pay!” said some banners.