Portuguese police cleared protest camps in Lisbon and Porto early on Sunday, arresting demonstrators who had erected tents to demand action on housing affordability.
The operation targeted encampments in Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom João I Square in Porto, where protesters had vowed to maintain their presence despite police warnings. Officers from the Public Security Police (PSP) moved in with a heavy presence, dispersing the camps within minutes, according to local reports .
The protests had drawn thousands on Saturday, with marches in Lisbon and Porto under slogans like “Housing for all” and “A home is a human right.” Organizers estimated 25,000 participants in Lisbon alone, while police had not released official figures . Demonstrators criticized soaring rents, which they said averaged over €21 per square meter in Lisbon, and accused the government of inaction .
Tensions escalated late on Saturday as protesters in both cities defied police orders to remove tents. In Lisbon, a standoff developed in Rossio Square, with police forming intervention lines while demonstrators chanted slogans against fascism . In Porto, a similar confrontation unfolded in Dom João I Square, where protesters formed a human chain to block police action .
The Interior Ministry had earlier stated that the reasons for the protests were “absolutely legitimate” and expected demonstrations to remain peaceful . However, police confirmed arrests were made during the early morning clearances .
