Police in Lisbon cleared a housing protest camp in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, 2026. Dozens of officers, including units with dogs, moved into Rossio Square shortly after 2:00 a.m. following a march by thousands of demonstrators on Saturday. Police reported making several arrests and noted minor injuries, though specific figures for the Sunday morning operation were not immediately available.
This action followed tension between authorities and housing activists earlier in the week. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, police conducted coordinated dawn operations to dismantle camps in both Lisbon and Porto, arresting 55 people who were later released pending court appearances. Protesters had occupied Rossio Square since Saturday, October 17, and Dom Joao I Square in Porto for approximately 10 days to demonstrate against rising living costs.
During the Sunday operation, officers warned protesters to dismantle more than 100 tents or face disobedience charges. Protesters had gathered to protect the site after the earlier Tuesday clearing. Left Bloc lawmaker Fabian Figueiredo, who was present, characterized the police charge as "completely disproportionate" against peaceful participants. Conversely, following the Tuesday evictions, Public Security Police superintendent Sergio Soares described the police response as "calm, proportionate and appropriate."
The demonstrations involve renters and aspiring homeowners in Portugal, where the Bank of Portugal reports a shortfall of 300,000 homes—a figure equivalent to the entire housing stock of the capital city. Protesters are seeking to block a government bill that would end rent caps on new leases and simplify the eviction process.
The scale of the crisis is reflected in property data showing that purchase prices have more than doubled since 2017, and rents for new leases have nearly doubled. Activists argue these costs, compounded by an influx of digital nomads and high tourism, prevent younger generations from achieving financial stability. The demonstrations in Portugal mirror similar movements in Spain, France, Belgium, and Italy.
The contested bill has already passed its first reading in parliament, with the far-right Chega party abstaining. Following the Tuesday police action, protesters held a popular assembly and voted to re-establish their camp. While police cleared the square again on Sunday, October 25, activists have vowed to continue their campaign. The 55 individuals arrested on October 20 were scheduled for court appearances on Wednesday, October 21.