Porto housing movement braces for larger Saturday protest
The Porto Housing Encampment movement is preparing for a larger protest on Saturday, October 17, 2026, following days of vigils and a police clash early Thursday. Organizers expect significantly more participants to join the demonstration. The movement, described as a "completely horizontal" structure, acknowledged coordination challenges, including two accidental assemblies on Friday. Saturday's CGTP-led march starts at 10:30 AM from Praça da Batalha and ends at Praça D. João I, where the group plans activities until 7 PM, followed by an assembly to decide on overnight stays. The encampment has drawn political reactions, with Livre deputy Jorge Pinto denouncing "disproportionate" police violence and questioning the command chain. Mayor Pedro Duarte appealed for calm, while the movement's lawyer urged protesters to maintain a peaceful posture.