Portugal’s government has hardened its rhetoric over the housing protests in Porto, warning that it “will not give in to shouts from the street” and insisting the country’s housing crisis will not be solved through “tumult” or disruption.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Carlos Abreu Amorim made the comments on Friday morning during a parliamentary debate requested by the PCP on the rising cost of living, a day after a controversial PSP intervention against housing protesters in Porto left dozens reportedly injured.
“We see the housing problem as a very serious problem,” Abreu Amorim told MPs. “But let no one be mistaken into thinking that solutions to this kind of problem are born out of tumult, turbulence, disorganisation and a lack of public order.”
The minister stressed that the government recognised both the seriousness of Portugal’s housing difficulties and the democratic right to protest, but said those rights had to be exercised within the law.
His strongest warning came in response to criticism from parties on the left.
“The government will not give in to shouts from the street,” he said.
“This government solves problems with public policies, with serious solutions, with constructed solutions,” he added, arguing that its approach was rooted in “moderation, humanism and the defence of the rule of law”.
‘Palestinian flags do not build houses’
Abreu Amorim also took aim at some of the symbols and slogans seen during the demonstrations.
The housing crisis, he said, “will be solved with serious, calibrated public policies”, adding that it “is not solved with Palestinian flags, which do not have the power to build houses”.
“The housing problem is not solved with slogans, it is not solved by disrupting public order,” he said. “That is why this government will always be on the front line in defending public order, security and the tranquillity of citizens.”
His remarks followed an intervention from CDS-PP parliamentary leader Paulo Núncio, who called on the government, Porto Council and security forces to show “determination and courage” in dealing with what he described as a minority of troublemakers who had illegally occupied public space.
The comments prompted criticism from the left.
Livre MP Jorge Pinto expressed solidarity with protesters who, he said, had been “violently and disproportionately assaulted” while peacefully exercising their right to demonstrate.
Chega’s Bruno Nunes, meanwhile, welcomed the government’s harder tone, joking that the PSD had “finally” brought a “right-wing minister” to Parliament.
Source: Lusa
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.