Portuguese Protesters Defy Evictions to Reoccupy Camps Over Soaring Housing Costs

Portuguese activists are repopulating city squares after police raided tent camps protesting extreme housing costs.

Thousands of demonstrators in Portugal have regrouped in central public squares after security forces cleared their tent encampments. Police conducted pre-dawn operations in Lisbon and Porto to dismantle sites set up by activists demanding affordable accommodation. Demonstrators have pledged to stay on the streets and rebuild camps to challenge rising rents and official economic measures.

• The arrestsPolice detained at least 55 activists and injured dozens during early-morning clearances across Lisbon and Porto.
• The reactionThousands converged on Lisbon's Rossio square to vote in favour of re-establishing encampments.
• The grievancesCampaigners argue that recent government measures offer insufficient relief from escalating rents and living expenses.

What's new · 1d agoThousands of protesters returned to Lisbon squares and voted to rebuild their camps after police cleared them and arrested 55 activists.