Portuguese Police Clear Housing Protest Camps in Lisbon and Porto Arresting 13

Portuguese riot police moved into tent camps in Lisbon and Porto in the early hours of 1 November 2026 and dismantled them. Dozens of officers, some with dogs, entered Rossio Square in Lisbon around 4:30 am after issuing three warnings. They also cleared a smaller camp in Porto’s Dom Joao I Square. Police arrested 13 people, six in Lisbon and seven in Porto, for refusing orders to disperse.

Protesters had pitched more than 50 tents in Rossio after a march through the capital on 31 October. Similar camps had been cleared and re-established several times in recent weeks. Activists said more than 30 people were injured, with 10 taken to hospital. Police reported 13 officers injured, mostly from riot units. One plainclothes officer drew a firearm as a deterrent. Officers seized 69 tents in Lisbon and 30 in Porto.

The camps formed after marches against a government bill that would make evictions easier and remove rent caps on new leases. The minority centre-right government of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro passed the bill through a first reading with the abstention of the far-right Chega party. Protesters demand its withdrawal. House prices in Portugal have more than doubled since 2017. Rents on new leases have nearly doubled. The Bank of Portugal estimates a shortage of 300000 homes, equal to the entire housing stock of Lisbon.

Lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves said the square was peaceful before the operation and that nothing justified the use of force. Housing movement spokesperson Rita Silva told RTP that participants showed determination after weeks of protest. Organizers called a fresh rally for the afternoon of 1 November. Thousands returned to the squares later in the day and held assemblies. In Lisbon the 16th assembly of the camp used an open microphone. Activists listed demands that include rent caps, a halt to evictions, more public housing, and limits on real-estate funds.

Police commander Iuri Rodrigues stated that the tents were illegal and that resistance could bring disobedience charges. The force said the operation was carried out with balance and respect for rights. Previous clearances in October had already drawn criticism from rights groups and opposition parties. A general strike is scheduled for 11 November.

Young people are among the hardest hit by the housing shortage. One 19-year-old history student described it as a societal crisis that blocks the ability to start families. The government has ruled out scrapping the bill but said it is open to amendments before the final vote. Protesters say the changes would leave tenants more exposed and worsen affordability in major cities where tourism and digital nomads have added pressure.

The latest clearance followed a pattern seen since mid-October. Camps reappear after each police action, and marches continue. No deaths were reported. The next large action is the 11 November strike called by unions and housing groups.