Portuguese police dismantled housing protest camps in Lisbon and Porto, leading to 31 total arrests and sparking calls for further demonstrations.
Police officers in Portugal cleared protest camps in Lisbon and Porto this Sunday. These demonstrators gathered to protest the nation’s severe housing crisis. Officers used batons and police dogs to remove the groups.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested 25 people in Lisbon early in the morning. They also arrested six people at a separate camp in Porto. The police claim their actions were proportional to the situation.
Also, the police warned protesters to leave their tents before the operation began. They threatened to charge those who stayed with disobedience. Most of those arrested in Lisbon were released quickly.
However, these individuals must appear in court on Monday. The police reported seven minor injuries during the clearing process. Activist group Casa para Viver claims that 60 people suffered injuries.
Next, the activist group criticized the timing of the police raid. They believe the government chose the early morning to avoid public attention. They plan to hold a new protest near the parliament on Tuesday.
As a result, the group argues that the government prefers repression over real solutions. Portugal currently faces one of Europe’s worst housing affordability problems. Home prices have doubled since 2017.
Furthermore, rents for new leases have also nearly doubled recently. Young citizens struggle the most with these rising costs. The Bank of Portugal notes a shortage of 300,000 homes nationwide.
Still, citizens continue to demand changes to current government policies. They specifically want the government to drop a bill that simplifies evictions. They also oppose the removal of rent caps on new leases.
Finally, these protests mirror similar housing demonstrations occurring across Spain. People in other European cities like Paris are also protesting economic policies. The issue of housing remains a major source of tension across the continent.