LISBON, March 29 (Xinhua) -- About 200 Americans residing in Portugal gathered on Saturday in front of Porto City Hall to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, particularly its military actions in the Middle East.
According to the official Lusa News Agency, the event aimed to express opposition to authoritarian tendencies and to emphasize the importance of democratic principles.
The rally was initiated by American volunteers living in Portugal as part of coordinated actions in multiple cities worldwide to draw attention to the direction of U.S. politics and policies pursued by the Trump administration, said the protest organizers.
Robert Glassburner, an American who has lived in Portugal since 1983 and currently performs with the Casa da Musica Symphony Orchestra in Porto, said at the rally that he opposes the current U.S. government's domestic and foreign policies, especially its military actions in the Middle East.
"We are against these policies of the current U.S. government, both abroad and at home. And above all, against the war that is taking place in the Middle East. That war was ordered solely by Trump and was not authorized by Congress. The Constitution says that any military action must be approved by the United States Congress," said Glassburner.
During the demonstration, participants chanted slogans and voiced concerns over a range of issues related to the United States.
The organizers said the event reflects the "frustration and alarm" felt by Americans living abroad over policies that "undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law." ■
