Reuters reported that thousands marched in Lisbon over housing costs before police cleared a camp early Sunday, as Portugal's affordability crisis fueled opposition to proposed rental reforms.
More than 100 tents stood in Rossio Square after the march. Reuters reported that officers, some accompanied by police dogs, moved in after warning protesters to remove the tents. Reuters reported that several people were arrested and minor injuries were reported; an injury count was not immediately available. Hundreds had gathered to defend the camp.
Police cleared another encampment in Rossio Square on Tuesday. The Public Security Police said it detained 55 people during the Oct. 20 clearance.
The bill at the center of the dispute would remove rent caps on new leases and make evictions easier, which protesters oppose. It cleared an initial parliamentary reading; Chega abstained. The Bank of Portugal puts the national housing shortage at 300,000 homes, about the size of Lisbon’s total housing stock. Since 2017, home prices have risen to more than twice their earlier level, while rents on new leases have approached that mark. Reuters said younger people face particular pressure, and protesters argue that rising housing and other expenses are straining households.
Before the clearance, Left Bloc lawmaker Fabian Figueiredo called the operation “completely disproportionate,” saying there had been no public disorder. Reuters said people have staged comparable housing protests in Belgium, France, Italy and Spain.
Observador reported that camp participants approved a rally outside Parliament on Oct. 27. Parliament scheduled debate and an initial vote on the 2027 budget for Oct. 27-28.
