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.

"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.