Housing protest camps in Portugal cleared as police storm Lisbon’s Rossio Square

Police clear Lisbon square

Dozens of officers entered Rossio Square early Sunday, some accompanied by police dogs. Police used shields and batons to disperse demonstrators at the tent camp. The tents followed a Saturday march through Lisbon, with protesters setting up more than 50. Police commander Iuri Rodrigues gave three warnings to take them down, saying they were illegal and that people who resisted could face disobedience charges.

Warnings and criticism

Before the police operation, lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves said the square was peaceful. He argued that force was not warranted, referring to baton charges and physical violence seen during an operation the previous week.

That earlier action had drawn criticism from protesters and rights groups. Sunday’s dispersal took place against that backdrop of opposition to police tactics.

Housing costs fuel protest

Portugal is facing one of Europe’s most severe housing affordability crises, with young people particularly affected. House prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents for new leases have almost doubled.

Demonstrators are calling on the minority centre-right government to withdraw legislation that would ease evictions and remove rent caps on new leases. They say the proposed changes would make housing less affordable and leave tenants more vulnerable.

The anger is part of broader housing-related unrest across Europe. Demonstrations have also taken place in Spain, while government economic policies have faced opposition in France, Germany and Albania.