Early-hours clearance in Rossio Square

Portuguese police cleared a housing protest camp from the centre of Lisbon in the early hours of Sunday 25 October 2026, charging demonstrators and making several arrests, with minor injuries reported, though figures were not immediately available. Shortly after 2 a.m., dozens of officers, some with police dogs, moved in on the camp in Rossio Square, after warning protesters to remove their tents or face their dismantling.

Protesters had pitched more than 100 tents after Saturday's protest march by thousands along one of the capital's main avenues. Hundreds gathered to protect the encampment after police dismantled a similar camp there on Tuesday, showing how quickly the camp had become a focal point for the housing campaign.

Why protesters say they are there

Portugal is grappling with one of Europe's most acute home affordability crises, as prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents for new leases have nearly doubled, with young people among the hardest hit. The Bank of Portugal estimates a shortfall of 300,000 homes nationwide, equivalent to Lisbon's entire housing stock.

One marcher, Vitor Gomes, aged 21, a multimedia communications student, said protesters had an obligation to fight for what they believed in, adding that housing speculation, wealth concentration and rising inequality made him pessimistic about the future. Protesters say soaring rents and higher living costs are squeezing households and turning housing into a growing source of discontent.

Dispute over the police action

Left Bloc lawmaker Fabian Figueiredo, who was at the camp, described the police action as completely disproportionate, arguing that there had been no public disorder. He asked why police would charge hundreds of people who were there peacefully.