Portugal's Socialists urge PM to shelve new rent law, citing social unrest

The leader of Portugal's Socialist Party (PS), José Luís Carneiro, called the new rent law proposed by the government a "social fuse" and urged the Prime Minister to shelve it. He argued the legislation fails to protect young people, families, and the elderly. Carneiro stated the PS will not change its abstention vote on the state budget if the government does not withdraw the law, saying creating a political crisis would be irresponsible. He emphasized the government holds the primary responsibility for ensuring national stability. The comments come amid nationwide protests over housing costs and a police crackdown on a Porto camp that left dozens injured. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa separately defended that no one should live without access to housing.