OMM Newsroom
Thousands of people took to the streets in 32 cities across Portugal on Saturday, calling on the government to act urgently on the country’s worsening housing crisis, according to Anadolu Agency.
Organized by the “Casa Para Viver” (A Home to Live In) platform, the demonstrations were held under the slogan “They will not steal our right to a home.” Protests were planned in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Portimão, Coimbra, Braga and other locations.
The movement is calling for stronger rent controls, greater protection against evictions and increased investment in affordable public housing. It also wants the government to reverse proposed changes to rental legislation.
Rita Silva, a spokesperson for “Casa Para Viver,” told Lusa news agency that the nationwide mobilization showed the housing crisis affected the whole country, not just major urban centres.
The platform, which brings together around 100 housing associations and grassroots organizations, is also seeking tighter regulation of rental contracts, vacant properties, short-term tourist accommodation and property speculation.
The demonstrations followed parliament’s approval in general terms of the government’s proposed changes to urban rental legislation. The proposals would allow greater flexibility in rental contracts and speed up eviction procedures.
Housing campaigners warn that the changes could weaken tenant protections as rents rise and housing availability remains limited.
On Friday, President António José Seguro met with housing campaigners ahead of the nationwide demonstrations. Representatives of “Casa Para Viver” welcomed the meeting and urged Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to engage directly with the movement.
