Police dismantle camp for the right to housing in Lisbon
Dozens of tents were installed in Rossio Square in protest against the reform of the rental market and the government's housing policy.
Quick Look
Protesters protest against the housing crisis and rent reform in Lisbon, sparking clashes with police in Rossio Square and resulting in injuries and arrests.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Parliament approved a reform in September to speed up evictions in the event of default, sparking protests against housing policy.
Dozens of tents installed in Praça do Rossio, in Lisbon, Portugal, in a demonstration against the housing crisis on October 19, 2026. — Photo: Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP
Protesters accuse the government of not acting to address the housing crisis and of wanting to facilitate evictions of tenants through reform of the rental market.
In September, Parliament approved, in the first round, a reform to accelerate the evictions of tenants in the event of default, as part of a more flexible rental market.
In Lisbon, the occupants of Praça do Rossio formed a human chain to try to delay police intervention. Afterwards, clashes were recorded between the protesters and the intervention units of the security forces, according to images released by television stations.
Movement spokespeople reported almost 30 injuries and arrests among activists. After a general assembly, almost 100 people decided to continue with the movement.
The police set up a device on Tuesday morning in the center of the capital and the Rossio metro station was closed.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Protesters continue with the movement after the general assembly.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What is the exact number of detainees and injuries?
- Does the government intend to review rent reform?
