Portuguese Police Dismantle Housing Crisis Protest Camp in Lisbon

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, … Portuguese police officers, accompanied by police dogs, launched a raid in the early hours of Sunday morning on Rossio Square in Lisbon, tearing down tents that had been erected by demonstrators protesting the severe housing crisis.

This law enforcement action occurred just one day after thousands of people marched through the streets of Lisbon to demand the cancellation of a newly introduced rental housing plan. Protesters argue that the implementation of this legislation will further exacerbate the ongoing housing shortage and affordability crisis across the country.

Following the demonstration, activists had pitched more than 50 tents in Rossio Square. Before entering the encampment, security forces issued three separate warnings ordering the demonstrators to dismantle their tents and cautioned that any resistance would result in legal prosecution for disobedience.

Confronted by the police presence, hundreds of protesters guarding the site dispersed. Security forces subsequently dismantled a smaller secondary protest camp located in the city of Porto.

The operation took place just one week after similar police clashes in both Lisbon and Porto, which resulted in the arrests of 25 individuals in Lisbon and six in Porto. The housing rights advocacy group ‘Casa Para Viver’ reported that approximately 60 people sustained injuries during those earlier confrontations, whereas police maintained that the force used was proportionate to the situation.

Portugal is currently grappling with one of the most severe housing accessibility crises in Europe. Property prices have more than doubled since 2017, and rental rates for new contracts have increased at a nearly identical pace. According to data from the Bank of Portugal, the nationwide housing deficit is estimated at approximately 300,000 units.

Demonstrators are demanding the revocation of a legislative decree which they believe facilitates the eviction of tenants and eliminates rent caps on newly signed lease agreements.