Portuguese police crackdown on housing protests draws accusations of government-ordered violence

Portuguese police dispersed overnight housing protests in Lisbon and Porto using batons, rubber bullets, and dogs, resulting in dozens of injuries and arrests, prompting accusations of government-ordered violence. Bloco de Esquerda coordinator José Manuel Pureza accused the police of acting "at the command of the Government" and called on President of the Republic to address the events. He expressed solidarity with protesters, criticized Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's housing policies, and urged political parties and unions to respond. Police reported seven injured and 31 detained in Lisbon, and eight injured in Porto, while protest organizers cited higher numbers, including over 20 hospitalized in Lisbon and 37 injured in Porto. The protests opposed proposed legislation on unlimited rent increases and facilitated evictions.