In Portugal, Economic Difficulties Threaten Stability

The General Confederation of Portuguese Workers held protests Sept. 29 and announced additional demonstrations to be held during the first half of October. The protests are in response to austerity measures implemented by the Portuguese government.

Portugal's economic crisis is jeopardizing the political and social stability the country has seen since Pedro Passos Coelho became prime minister in June 2011. The growing instability could affect Lisbon's negotiations with its lenders and add uncertainty to the eurozone crisis.