Cops clear new Lisbon housing protest camp after thousands rally

Lisbon police dismantled a large tent encampment in Rossio Square on Sunday, following a massive rally demanding the government retract a housing bill. This comes as protests across Europe, including in Spain, France, and Germany, highlight a worsening housing crisis. Over 50 tents were set up in Rossio Square after a march through central Lisbon on Saturday, drawing thousands of demonstrators.

Police, some accompanied by dogs, entered the area around 4:30am, warning protesters three times that their tents would be dismantled if not removed and that resistance could result in disobedience charges. Hundreds of protesters were dispersed by police using shields and baton charges. Earlier, a similar, smaller tent camp was dismantled in Porto's Dom Joao I square.

Socialist lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves criticized the police intervention, stating it did not justify force or physical violence. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro initially ruled out scrapping the bill but later expressed openness to amendments, stating the government's main line of action is its own program. Socialist Party leader Jose Luis Carneiro urged the government to engage in talks with opposition parties and protesters instead of "arrogantly imposing its views."