Europe's Housing and Living Cost Protests: A Timeline

Europe is facing protests over the rising cost of living and housing, with Portugal seeing demonstrations on Saturday, October 17, in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Funchal, culminating in overnight encampments in Lisbon's Rossio square and Porto's Praça D. João I. The CGTP union led marches demanding wage increases and price controls, with Secretary-General Tiago Oliveira accusing the government of ignoring workers' hardships. Left-wing parties, including Livre, PCP, and Bloco de Esquerda, criticized the government's handling of housing and living costs during the protests. In Lisbon, demonstrators set up tents under the slogan "Não dá mais? Então monta a tua tenda!", with signs denouncing speculation and targeting Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Lisbon's mayor. In Porto, around 300 people remained camped by early Sunday, vowing to stay until their demands are met.