Photo credit: Euractiv
Protests for the right to housing took place throughout Portugal on Saturday, with hundreds taking to the streets of Lisbon with their banners and a completely understandable sense of outrage.
The Resident reports that in Aveiro, Barreiro, Benavente, Braga, Coimbra, Covilha, Faro, Funchal, Lagos, Leiria, Ponta Delgada, Portalegre, Porto, Vila Nova de Santo Andre and Viseu, there were protests – initiatives supported by dozens of syndicates, movements, collectives, cooperatives and associations.
The reality is that although the government attempts to stem the rising tide of prices, it is constantly increasing rents.
Reports say that in the last three months of 2025, prices increased again by 18%. “It’s just not working” was the slogan for demonstrations today which saw those taking part recounting the ever-increasing difficulties of finding an affordable “roof over one’s head” these days.
“Criticizing the impact of financial speculation and tourism, protestors demanded more public housing”, reports S/C just as they did when these protests began in April three years ago.
The tragedy is that, in spite of measures touted, the situation has not changed.
Casa Para Viver – the platform that came together three years ago – is dismissive of much of the government’s strategy, saying the way forward involves regulating rents, controlling speculation, reducing short-term holiday lets and putting unused properties onto the rental market.
