Encampments in support of housing continue in Portugal

Every day, updates have covered demonstrations across the country, including camps in public squares, placard marches, live music, and clashes with the police. At first glance, one might think young people are at the forefront of the cause, but reports, images, and interviews suggest this issue brings together people from all walks of life.

Protesters demands

Before delving into the consequences of these protests, it is necessary to put the protesters’ actual demands into context. The movements behind the tent camps have put forward six main demands: “down with the rent law; an end to evictions; an end to property purchases by vulture funds; more social housing; the conversion of vacant properties into housing; and rent caps”.

These demands stem from a housing crisis that has affected Portugal for years and, above all, has prevented Generation Z from buying their own homes. Rental prices are rising steadily, the price per square metre is unaffordable for most prospective buyers, and the lack of rent caps has led to families and older adults being evicted because they cannot keep up with rent increases on low incomes.

Government support

It would be an omission to say that the Portuguese Government has taken no measures to alleviate this problem, given that some programmes are already in place for that purpose.

The “1st Right” (1.º Direito) – Support Program for Access to Housing targets families living in inadequate housing conditions who lack the financial means to afford suitable housing; municipalities implement it in coordination with Local Housing Strategies.

Meanwhile, the Rental Support Program (PAA / Affordable Rental) promotes rental properties at below-market rates aligned with household income. For direct tenant support, the “Porta 65 Jovem” and “Porta 65+” programs provide financial assistance for rent payments to young people and individuals in specific circumstances, such as those experiencing a drop in income or single-parent households.

In parallel, “Supported Rental” (Arrendamento Apoiado) is a social housing scheme in which rent is calculated based on household income and applies to properties owned by the State or the IHRU (Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation).

In emergencies, the “Porta de Entrada” (Gateway) program provides urgent support to individuals facing unexpected housing needs, such as those resulting from evictions, natural disasters, or domestic violence.

On investment and housing supply, the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) funds the construction and rehabilitation of public and affordable housing nationwide. Furthermore, the “Construir Portugal” (Building Portugal) initiative and its associated incentive packages bring together recent measures—including a reduced 6% VAT rate for specific construction or renovation projects, as well as the mobilisation of public land and assets—all aimed at increasing the supply of housing on the market.

Although these measures are in place and helping improve the situation, they are not accessible to everyone and, given the national context, do not guarantee greater access to housing. Because of these unresolved issues, citizens have taken to the streets and, by setting up tents in the city centres of various towns and cities, have illustrated a possible future in which many people have no choice but to live on the streets.

Vandalism or protests?

These recent demonstrations have also led to chaos that, according to the movement, does not reflect its cause, and the demonstrators claim it is a peaceful movement.

Clashes with security forces have already led to several arrests, but authorities have not been able to identify those responsible for the vandalism in Lisbon’s Rossio. Authorities say the arrests so far are based on breaches of the stipulated curfew.

According to an article published by the Lusa news agency, the encampments on the country’s streets have not yet ended.

The “Acampada de Lisboa” (Lisbon Encampment) movement called for participation in a demonstration on 24 September against real estate speculation and in support of the right to housing. The march will depart from Marquês de Pombal at 3 pm and head to Rossio Square.

The demonstration, titled “We have no homes, so we set up tents!”, will begin at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout and conclude at Rossio Square—a site where, since last Saturday, hundreds of people have gathered daily to demand measures to address the housing crisis.

In Porto, a demonstration is also scheduled for Saturday, though the time has yet to be set. Meanwhile, Braga plans a “people’s assembly” for Saturday, running from 3:00 pm until midnight.

The demonstration was one outcome of the fifth people’s assembly organised by the “Acampada de Lisboa” movement. The assembly took place on 21 October in Praça D. Pedro IV (Rossio Square), lasted approximately three hours, and once again brought together hundreds of participants.

The assembly also committed to holding daily people’s assemblies at 7:00 pm in Rossio. It also called on the trade union confederations CGTP-IN and UGT to organise a “General Strike for Housing” on 11 November, coinciding with a general strike planned in Spain.