As housing protests sweep Portugal, police and politicians here seem bent on making the crisis worse | Ana Naomi de Sousa
Housing protests in Portugal have entered their fourth week, with thousands demonstrating in Lisbon and Porto despite Storm Charles, as the government faces criticism for its heavy-handed response to the crisis.
Since October 14, housing protests have swept across Portugal, with encampments and daily demonstrations drawing thousands in Lisbon and Porto. The protests show no sign of abating, even as Storm Charles forced flight cancellations, school closures, and the disruption of the Web Summit in Lisbon.
The demonstrations reflect the breadth of Portugal's housing crisis, uniting diverse groups including architects, waiting staff, high school graduates, philosophers, young mothers, and professional politicians. Protesters include thirtysomething professionals still living with parents, separated couples sharing cramped spaces, and families torn between city living and distant jobs.
The protest camps feature a 'people's university', free meal services, and evening visitors from work and university. Various social and housing movements have joined forces, with some fighting evictions, others protesting living conditions, and many unable to move forward due to housing instability.
Government Response
The government's response has ranged from dismissive to repressive. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the protests 'selfish' and suggested they were a 'foreign import,' despite his ownership of at least six properties across Portugal. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas complained about protests disrupting an upcoming Christmas market.
Police reaction has been particularly aggressive, with reports of officers attacking peaceful protesters while they slept. According to Público newspaper, over 160 people have been injured, including some shot in the face with rubber bullets, and 99 arrested in Lisbon and Porto.
This response is a choice. It can – and must – be stopped by the Portuguese authorities.
Crisis Origins
Portugal faces one of Europe's worst housing crises, with house prices nationwide increasing by 169% since 2015. In Porto, prices rose 180%, while in Lisbon they jumped 186%. Wage growth has failed to keep pace, with Portugal having the highest house price-to-income discrepancy in the EU.
The crisis stems from the 2011 bailout administered by the Troika (European Commission, European Central Bank, and IMF), which restricted government spending and borrowing. This led to deregulation favoring private investment and relaxed rental laws that stoked a profit-driven market.
A recent tourist boom has further inflated property values, with short-term rentals like Airbnb pushing up rents and prices across neighborhoods, forcing communities out. Despite demonstrations over the past five years, the government is now introducing legislation to give landlords greater powers to raise rents, demand larger deposits, and evict tenants more quickly.
Political Tensions
Montenegro's government faces political tensions, with the center-right Social Democratic party attempting to counter challenges from the far-right Chega party through aggressive rhetoric on policing and immigration. Protesters have chanted 'It reeks of dictatorship' and 'we are all anti-fascists,' referencing Portugal's imperial dictatorship (1926-1974).
Elected officials have attempted to discredit protesters, with Moedas claiming graffiti cleanup cost €138,000. Police announced fines for motorists tooting horns in support of protesters, though withdrew the measure within 24 hours.
The Portuguese housing crisis requires radical interventions, with protesters demanding solutions beyond police brutality and political indifference. Without meaningful change, the demonstrations show no sign of abating as more Portuguese citizens find themselves trapped by unaffordable housing.
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