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Portugal faces weeks of political uncertainty following inconclusive general election results, which also reinforces a resurgence of the radical right across Europe.
The rise of the populist party, Chega, in Sunday's vote has brought the hard right to the forefront of Portuguese politics. With the outcome hanging in the balance, the competition between two major moderate parties remains undecided as they await crucial results from overseas voters.
Official results are expected to be released within two weeks.
The remarkable ascent of Chega, a party just five years old, is evident in its increased parliamentary seats from 12 in the 2022 election to 48 in the current one.
Centre-right and centre-left neck and neck in Portugal's tight election
Opinions among voters in Lisbon are divided. While some, like 38-year-old maritime transport expert Fernanda Quest, express content and see it as a moment of change, others, such as 53-year-old police officer Isabel Fernandes, voice apprehension over potential threats to fundamental rights, particularly those of women, from parties that have gained significant representation.
Andre Ventura, the leader of Chega, has aligned himself with other radical right-wing parties across Europe.
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The date of March 11 was selected as a day of remembrance for terrorism victims across the continent following the tragic train bombings in Madrid on March 11, 2004, orchestrated by Islamic extremists, killing 193 people.
Leading figures from the European Union, including Ylva Johansson, along with Spain's King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, attended the event honoring victims of terrorism across the EU.
Sanchez emphasised the principles of "democracy, rule of law, and social rights" as a sign of a unified Europe in the fight against extremism, affirming that these values are invincible.
"So may the values of peace, coexistence, truth, justice and reparation, guide us in this endeavour, always remembering the victims, whose memory we invoke every March 11 and every day of the year," he added.
Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, praised Spain as "a pioneer in support for victims, building on decades of tragic experience," and urged more action.
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"So today let's remember with words, and tomorrow let's remember by taking action. Action to support victims and to fight terrorism," Johansson said.
King Felipe VI of Spain expressed profound respect for the victims of terror attacks and pledged unwavering commitment to ensuring they feel acknowledged, cared for, and shielded by all necessary means.
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Around 40 activists, holding signs with messages like "Climate Justice Now," positioned themselves in front of at least two entrances to the 349-seat Riksdagen, including the main doorway. Local Swedish media indicated that lawmakers used alternative entrances.
Expressing frustration, Thunberg addressed local media saying, "The climate justice movement has, for decades, been repeating the same message over and over again, like a broken record, and we feel like we are not being heard."
Climate activists have accused fossil fuel companies of intentionally hindering the global transition to renewable energy to make more profits.
Greta Thunberg cleared of public order charge during London oil conference protest
Greta Thunberg, 21, has brought together a global youth movement, demanding stronger action against climate change, stemming from her weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament since 2018.