'We are not going anywhere' – Lisbon housing protesters defy police clearances with new encampment
Key Takeaways
- Housing activists pitched tents in Restauradores Square following a mass demonstration against rising housing costs in Lisbon.
- The new encampment followed repeated police operations at Rossio Square, where protesters had previously camped.
- Demonstrators want the government to abandon proposals that would ease evictions and remove rent caps on new lease
Demonstrators pitch tents in another Lisbon square after repeated police clearances, demanding the withdrawal of proposed rental laws they fear will increase housing costs.
Housing protesters in Lisbon have returned to the streets, setting up a new overnight encampment despite repeated police operations to remove earlier protest camps.
The demonstrators pitched tents in Restauradores Square on Saturday night following a mass march through the Portuguese capital against rising housing costs and proposed changes to rental legislation.
The decision to occupy Restauradores came after police repeatedly cleared protesters from nearby Rossio Square, where activists had previously established a camp.
One demonstrator explained that the movement was not focused on occupying a particular location but on drawing attention to the housing situation across Lisbon.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Tunisia Roundup: Saïed demands procurement overhaul, parliament advances water and energy bills and fuel strike looms
"We have returned to occupy another square because the encampment was never about occupying Rossio. It was about reminding everyone that the whole city belongs to us," she said.
The protester also highlighted the significance of choosing Restauradores Square, which is surrounded by hotels, as residents continue to face increasing housing costs.
Despite the earlier police interventions, protesters maintained that their campaign had not weakened.
"So I think today has put to rest any doubts that our movement was losing momentum. We are back, and we are not going anywhere," she added.
The activists had previously occupied Rossio Square until the area was allocated for a Christmas market, prompting them to leave while promising to continue their demonstrations elsewhere.
Their main demand is for the Portuguese government to withdraw proposed rental legislation that would make evictions easier and remove rent caps on new leases.
Protesters argue that the proposed changes would increase housing costs and weaken protections for tenants already struggling to afford accommodation in Lisbon.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
