Portugal housing protests draw thousands in cities nationwide

Protests for the right to housing took place in several cities across Portugal this weekend, with demonstrators taking to the streets to demand action on the housing crisis. Political leaders from the Livre, BE, and PCP parties participated in the Lisbon march, calling on the government to reverse its housing policy and reject proposed changes to the rent law. They argued current measures fuel speculation and increase costs. The politicians urged Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to engage in dialogue and avoid polarizing society, while criticizing the government's absence during the protests. They believe the mobilization is shifting political discourse and could defeat the recent rent legislation.