Typical PT populist reaction. It's not very hard to debunk, but this sentiment is very strong in some crowds in Lisboa & Porto. The foreigners, the nomads, usually well off people and golden visa people are what keeps the doors open on a lot of places that would simply disappear. I lived in some area where the people complained about the noise and misery, so the city council/mayor had places close earlier, gave out less permits etc; 3 years later the locals complained that so many nice smalls bars & restaurants & coffee shops disappeared and that there are only a few chains left. THEY weren't spending their days in these places; THEY weren't spending $100-200/day on food & drink; the nomads / tourists / expats were, so these places all closed.
There is a lot wrong with this place (and every place I have lived by the way; nothing is perfect obviously), but getting rich folks in is not it. In my bar the American immigrants, who are currently the affluent gentrifiers here, spend vast amounts every day on food & drink, 365 days of the year, vs locals who have 1 coffee, if that, per week. I guess you know what's wrong when you lose it.
There is a lot wrong with this place (and every place I have lived by the way; nothing is perfect obviously), but getting rich folks in is not it. In my bar the American immigrants, who are currently the affluent gentrifiers here, spend vast amounts every day on food & drink, 365 days of the year, vs locals who have 1 coffee, if that, per week. I guess you know what's wrong when you lose it.