Portugal, May 21, 2026 (Lusa) – Portugal’s Journalists' Union noted on Thursday a "massive turnout for the strike at the Lusa news agency" to demand a revision of the company's new statutes, which halted the agency's service for 24 hours on Wednesday.

“It also demonstrates the dissatisfaction of all professionals with the new statutes, which, as they noted several times, allow for political interference in Lusa's information,” the statement said.

The union praised the mobilisation within the agency for a “gathering that took place outside parliament, with professionals from various parts of the country.”

The union's president, Luis Simões, also attended the gathering, where he chanted that "a news director should not go to parliament to give accounts," and regretted the lack of negotiation in the process.

"Lusa journalists showed a great demonstration of strength, and they will surely continue to do everything to preserve the agency's independence, ensure better working conditions, dignity in the profession, and stop dubious intentions such as senseless relocation of premises," the document reads.

AJR/LYT // ADB.

Lusa