Police clear new Lisbon housing protest camp after thousands rally
LISBON: Police moved into Lisbon’s Rossio Square on Sunday to clear a tent camp erected after thousands marched demanding Portugal’s minority centre-right government withdraw a rental bill they say would worsen the country’s housing crisis. Portugal is grappling with one of Europe’s worst housing crises, with young people among those hardest hit. House prices have more than doubled since 2017 and…
On Sunday, police entered Lisbon's Rossio Square to dismantle a tent camp that had sprung up following a massive demonstration the previous day. The protesters, who numbered in the thousands, were rallying against a rental bill that they claim would exacerbate Portugal's dire housing situation. Young people are particularly affected by the soaring house prices, with rates having more than doubled since 2017 and new lease rents nearly doubling.
Similar protests have erupted across Europe, reflecting the widespread discontent over rising housing costs. Around 4:30 a.m., over a dozen officers, some accompanied by police dogs, entered the camp and ordered the protesters to dismantle their tents or face charges for disobedience. The police dispersed hundreds of demonstrators using shields and some baton charges.
The Socialist lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves defended the peaceful assembly, denouncing the "force, physical violence or baton charges" used by the police.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Police storm Portugal housing protest camps aljazeera.com
