Housing protests sweep Portugal as thousands rally for affordable homes

Housing protests are taking place across Portugal this weekend, with demonstrators taking to the streets to fight for the right to housing. The protests are being followed minute by minute as they unfold in several cities nationwide. Political figures including Livre spokesperson Isabel Mendes Lopes, BE coordinator José Manuel Pureza, and PCP councilor João Ferreira joined the Lisbon demonstration, which marched from Avenida da Liberdade to Rossio. They called for the rejection of rent law changes and criticized the government's housing policies for increasing purchase and rental costs. The leaders urged the government to reverse its housing approach, combat real estate speculation, and expand public housing supply. They also criticized Prime Minister Luís Montenegro for being absent and accused the government of changing its discourse only due to street pressure, while calling for dialogue ahead of the 2027 state budget discussions.