The National Federation of Unions of Workers in Public and Social Functions (FNSTFPS) of Portugal expresses its full solidarity with the struggle of Italian firefighters and their trade union organizations,whoarecurrentlyfacingagraveoffensiveagainsttheirunionrightsforthemerefact of exercising them.

The Federation follows withconcernthe reports, received through theUSB, ofpersecution carried outbythe Italian Ministryof theInterior againstprofessionals who, in theexerciseof their rightto strike and freedom of expression, demonstrated against the genocide in Palestine and in defense of peace.

InDefenseofDignityandtheRighttoProtest

It is unacceptable that workers who dedicate their lives to the rescue of populations are targeted with disciplinary proceedings for expressing their humanitarian convictions. The attempt to prevent these professionals from protesting as firefighters—by banning the use of their symbols and uniforms—constitutes an attempt to erase their social and political identity.

TheFNSTFPSstandsinsolidaritywiththestruggleofItalianfirefighters'unionsagainst:

TradeUnionRepression: The use of sanctions tointimidate thosewhodefend human and labor rights.

The Militarization of the Profession: The rejection of any government attempt to transformfirefighters into"public order"agents, divertingthemfrom their primarymission of civil protection and humanitarian relief.

TheDiversionofResources: Theprioritizationofinvestmentinweaponrytothedetriment of the working conditions and safety of those who save lives.

InternationalistUnity

Attacks on trade union rights in any European country represent a threat to all public service workers.TheFNSTFPSreaffirmsthatthefreedomoforganizationandtherighttodemonstrateare inalienable and must be respected without reservation.

We join the internationalist voice in demanding the immediate cancellation of all disciplinary proceedings and respect for the autonomy and dignity of the firefighter profession in Italy.

Lisbon,January28,2026

THEEXECUTIVEBOARDOFFNSTFPS