Thousands of demonstrators gathered in 32 cities across Portugal on Saturday, urging the government to take immediate measures to tackle the country’s growing housing affordability crisis.
The demonstrations were organized by the Casa Para Viver (A Home to Live In) movement under the slogan, “They will not steal our right to a home.” Major cities hosting the protests included Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Portimao, Coimbra and Braga, alongside several other locations.
The protesters are demanding stricter regulations on rental prices, improved legal safeguards for tenants facing eviction and greater government spending on affordable public housing. They are also opposing proposed amendments to existing rental laws.
Speaking to the Lusa news agency, Casa Para Viver spokesperson Rita Silva said the nationwide demonstrations reflected the widespread nature of the housing crisis, emphasizing that the problem extended beyond major cities and affected communities throughout the country.
The platform represents approximately 100 housing associations and community-based organizations. In addition to its primary demands, it is advocating tighter oversight of rental agreements, unoccupied properties, short-term tourist accommodation and speculative property investments.
The demonstrations followed parliament’s initial approval of the government’s proposed amendments to urban rental legislation. The changes are intended to offer landlords greater flexibility in rental agreements and simplify eviction procedures.
However, housing rights organizations fear that the proposed reforms could undermine tenant security at a time when rental costs continue to increase and affordable accommodation remains scarce.
The nationwide protests were also preceded by a Friday meeting between President Antonio Jose Seguro and housing campaigners.
Representatives of Casa Para Viver welcomed the presidential meeting and called on Prime Minister Luis Montenegro to establish direct communication with the movement to discuss possible solutions to the housing crisis.
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