Portuguese police arrested 55 people during an Oct. 20 operation to dismantle a Lisbon housing camp, as protesters rallied against high rents and rental changes they say could ease evictions, AFP reported.
Law-enforcement authorities seized 228 camping structures and deemed the gathering illegal, AFP reported. Police said those arrested were taken to police facilities and would be brought before a judicial authority as soon as possible. Local television stations aired footage of clashes after demonstrators formed a human chain as officers entered the square. Protesters said about 30 people were injured, AFP reported.
Demonstrators oppose the government's proposed rental changes, arguing the measures would make evictions easier. The government says reducing restrictions on new rental contracts could encourage property owners to offer more homes. A 2026 European Commission review of Portugal also pointed to housing pressures from tourism, short-term rentals, vacant homes and limits on building in high-demand areas.
Observador reported that camp participants approved a rally outside Parliament for Oct. 27, when lawmakers are scheduled to debate the 2027 budget.
