Jakarta, ThedailyID — Thousands of people gathered in Lisbon, Portugal, to demand more affordable housing and oppose proposed changes to the country’s rent controls.
Demonstrators assembled at Rossio Square as concerns over rising housing costs continued to grow. The protest came amid a housing crisis that has placed increasing pressure on Portuguese residents, especially younger people.
According to Reuters, the demonstration was organized amid growing opposition to a proposed bill that would remove restrictions on residential rent prices.
Rita Silva, a spokesperson for the Casa para Viver movement, said protesters remained determined after weeks of demonstrations.
“People have shown extraordinary perseverance, strength and determination after weeks of protests,” Silva said.
“We see no willingness from the government to listen. The demonstrations will continue.”
Portugal’s Interior Minister Luis Neves said the government respected the protesters’ right to demonstrate. However, he called for the protests to remain orderly and follow the law.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has refused to withdraw the proposed legislation. He said the government remained open to changing some provisions before a final vote in the coming weeks.
“The parties have to move closer together. The main line of action is the government’s program,” Montenegro said.
The leader of the opposition Socialist Party, Jose Luis Carneiro, urged the government to involve opposition parties and civil society groups in discussions over the proposed bill.
Portugal has faced a growing housing crisis for several years. According to Reuters, home prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents have also risen sharply.
The crisis has particularly affected younger residents who face increasing difficulty finding affordable places to live.
Housing protests have intensified across the country in recent weeks. The demonstrations reflect growing public frustration over the cost of living and the availability of affordable homes.
The latest rally in Lisbon shows that housing remains one of Portugal’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
