The Police Professionals Union Association (Associação Sindical dos Profissionais da Polícia or ASPP) is holding a protest in Porto this Monday to demand salary increases from the government. The demonstration, which includes members of the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR), also highlights concerns over working conditions, supplements, and the failure to implement a 2024 agreement.
Police officers protest in Porto demanding pay raises
Monday, 28 September 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is Portugal's national gendarmerie—a military police force founded in 1911, with origins dating to 1801. With over 22,600 personnel, GNR patrols 94-96% of Portuguese territory, covering rural areas, medium towns, and highways. Members are military personnel subject to military law, responsible for public order, customs, coastal control, environmental protection (SEPNA), firefighting/rescue (GIPS), border control, and ceremonial guards. GNR vs. PSP: The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's civilian police force, covering major cities (Lisbon, Porto, Faro) and large urban areas—only 4% of territory but roughly half the population. PSP handles airport security, diplomatic protection, and private security regulation. Both share core missions (public order, crime prevention), but differ in nature: GNR is military with military training; PSP is civilian with police-focused training.
