Thousands protest housing costs in Lisbon; tents removed and later re-erected

Several thousand people rallied in multiple Portuguese cities demanding more accessible housing, with one of the largest gatherings taking place at Rossio Square in Lisbon.

Police clear tents; demonstrators vow to return

Portuguese police carried out an operation at the Lisbon site during which tents and demonstrators were forcibly removed. After the clearance, organisers called for a new gathering later the same day; thousands answered that call and returned to show solidarity.

At the renewed assembly, participants held a public vote and decided to come back to the square the same day and re-erect tents.

One protester said: "I think that in Lisbon as in several European capitals — but perhaps here more than elsewhere — the cost of housing has become unaffordable for most people, not just the young. It has reached an absurd level; I think people are simply expressing their dissatisfaction in a democratic way."

Sara, who took part in the demonstration alongside thousands, added: "I believe it is indisputable that people have the right to have somewhere to live and to feel safe, where they can be at peace with their families; our homes are where we build our peace and our emotional security. At the moment all of this is one big circus. I think the lies, the dehumanisation and the cruelty have reached such proportions — simply all boundaries have been crossed. Enough of this circus, of this farce; none of us wants to feel like a clown. It is important that the authorities understand that they are there only because we put them there, and that we are the ones who can also remove them. They are there to serve us."

Photo: press material from the event