Pressure builds on caretaker government that keeps saying hands are tied
The European Federation of Police Unions (EU.Pol) has delivered a letter to the prime minister’s official residence in Lisbon today, calling for a written commitment to accept police officers’ demands.
The letter, written in English and signed by the organisation’s president, Peter Smets, says that parliamentary elections “should not prevent the government from acting”.
It was delivered by a delegation that included the Federation’s vice-president, Rui Neves, the president of the Independent Union of Police Officers (SIAP), a founding member of EU.Pol, and the president of the Association of Guard Professionals (APG-GNR), which is also a member of EU.Pol.
“A written pledge, signed by all political parties, that takes this situation into account when forming the new government could at least be a sign of support for those who protect you and all politicians, as well as society in general, every day” said the text.
Peter Smets reminded António Costa that Portuguese PSP and GNR agents are simply fighting against a factor that “creates inequality and injustice within the police force”.
“We, as a Federation, believe that it is imperative to address the critical issue of compensation for police officers in an appropriate manner.
“We would like to draw your attention to the pressing need for a more balanced approach that takes into account both the increasingly demanding nature of police work and the importance of a competitive and up-to-date salary”, the letter went on.
EU.Pol points out that police officers “face a myriad of risks and challenges in their daily tasks” and that “the physical and emotional toll exacted by the profession demands comprehensive recognition of their dedication and daily sacrifices”, which is why “paying a competitive and up-to-date salary is a recognition of the dangers inherent in the profession”, but also of the “unwavering commitment to maintaining order and safeguarding the Portuguese community”.
“I urge you to seriously consider and recognise the symbiotic relationship between modern justice and the compensation necessary for police operational efficiency,” Smets continued, arguing that promoting a working environment that values and adequately rewards police officers will ensure “a motivated and resilient police force that continues to effectively serve and protect the Portuguese community”.
“I would like to inform you that we support the demands of our colleagues in Portugal and will use our entire network of influence in Europe to give police officers a strong voice,” he told Portugal’s prime minister.
The federation made a point of explaining that it has been following what is happening to Portuguese police officers “with great concern” – expressing concern about the well-being of the police in Portugal since “they are being pushed to their limits on a daily basis without any support“.
In this regard, EU.Pol said that it has made “several attempts to contact Portugal’s minister of internal administration”, but “so far there has been no meeting or discussion”.
That this comes hours before yet another mass demonstration of police planned for outside the ministry that has accused them of being manipulated by extremist attitudes will simply add to the pressure on the government which appears to have been trying to ignore these protests through the election campaign, to little avail.
Only three days ago, PSP officials warned, in an Open Letter, that the force is in danger of collapse due to the lack of investment and apparent disinterest of central authorities. ND
Source material: LUSA
