Speaking to reporters in front of Passos Manuel primary and secondary school in Lisbon, João Dias da Silva said he had information about many schools that were closed up and down Portugal, such as the school behind him that “Does not generally close” (in strikes) and where just one non-teaching member of staff turned up for work.

Non-teaching staff at schools are on strike on Friday to demand temporary staff is taken non full-time, that they all get a specific career and enough resources to ensure they can do a good job at the schools.

The strike was called by both of Portugal’s labour confederations, CGTP and UGT.