Thousands Protest in Portugal Over Housing Crisis and Police Actions

Thousands of people gathered outside Portugal’s parliament in Lisbon on October 27 to protest rising housing costs and recent police operations against housing activists. The demonstration took place as lawmakers debated the government’s proposed 2027 budget. Housing affordability has become a major concern in Portugal, with property prices more than doubling since 2017 and rents for new leases nearly doubling, putting particular pressure on young people as wages struggle to keep pace.

The protest followed police operations on Sunday to dismantle tent camps set up by housing activists in Lisbon and Porto. The actions sparked allegations of excessive force. Demonstrators called on the minority centre-right government to withdraw a proposed bill that would accelerate evictions and end rent caps on new leases. Protesters also demanded affordable housing, a state budget that addresses the needs of ordinary citizens and stronger protection for the right to demonstrate. Similar housing protests have taken place in Spain and other European countries amid growing concerns over housing shortages and rising rents.

Portugal’s internal affairs watchdog has opened an inquiry into the police operations, while prosecutors have launched a separate investigation into officers’ conduct. Police reported 11 minor injuries, including three officers, during the operations, while activist group Casa para Viver said 60 people were injured. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro defended the police response in parliament, stating that officers acted according to the principles of necessity, proportionality and adequacy.

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