Thousands protest in Lisbon over housing crisis and police conduct

OPA WIRE, Oct 27 (OPA) — Thousands of protesters filled the streets outside Portugal’s parliament in Lisbon on Tuesday, carrying cardboard models of houses and red carnations to demand affordable housing. The demonstration, which drew support from local figures including singer Marisa Liz, focused on government policies that protesters argue threaten rental security and housing access.

The unrest follows recent police operations to dismantle protest camps in Lisbon and Porto. While activists report that 60 people sustained injuries during the clearances, police officials stated that only seven minor injuries occurred. Authorities defended the use of batons and the subsequent arrests as proportionate measures to maintain public order.

President António José Seguro addressed the escalating tensions, calling for a national dialogue while awaiting the outcome of official investigations into the police conduct. The government currently faces intense pressure to reverse proposed legislative changes that would simplify eviction processes and remove existing rent caps on new rental agreements.

Protesters chanted slogans against fascism and demanded immediate policy shifts to protect tenants. As the government weighs its next steps, the standoff highlights the deepening divide between state authorities and housing advocates regarding the management of the country's ongoing property market volatility.