Hundreds of drivers and motorcyclists protested on Sunday, November 5th, in Lisbon, against the increase in the Unique Circulation Tax (IUC), a measure they say is “shameful and unfair,” and warn the Socialist Party that decisions like this will influence the outcome of the next elections.
In addition to Lisbon, the protest against the IUC also took place in Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Faro, Braga, Porto, Viseu, Bragança, Vila Real, and Castelo Branco.
In the city of Lisbon, drivers and motorcyclists drove in slow motion between Marquês Pombal and Rossio, honking their horns and displaying some signs on the car windows, where it was possible to read slogans like “IUC – Unacceptable Usurpation of the Taxpayer” or “Immoral, Outrageous, and Criminal”.
It should be noted that the protesters are contesting the increase in the IUC for cars older than 2007, a measure provided for in the State Budget for 2024 (OE 2024).
In practical terms, the amount of the Unique Circulation Tax to be paid for these vehicles will increase by up to 25 euros, but the proposal of the State Budget states that the IUC will be “progressively increased until the IUC rate represents the total taxation related to the CO2 emitted by these vehicles”.
The opposition to the measure has already led to criticism from the president of ACP, who considers the measure absurd and arrogant, and to a petition against the increase with nearly 400,000 signatures.
