Thousands of protesters have returned to two central squares in Portugal for demonstrations against an intensifying housing crisis, hours after police cleared their camps in the capital, Lisbon, and the city of Porto, arresting 55 people. The demonstrators sought to rebuild their sit-in camps at Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom Joao I Square in Porto.

Protesters demand housing reforms

Activists have demanded the centre-right government withdraw a bill that makes evictions easier and ends rent caps on new leases. The proposed legislation passed its first parliamentary reading. Debora Miranda, a 41-year-old communications consultant, told Reuters she joined the Rossio Square protest to represent generations struggling with soaring costs. “If people don’t feel at home, in every sense of the word, they can’t move forward with their lives…enough is enough,” she said.

The protests mirror similar housing protests in neighbouring Spain and coincide with unrest over rising living costs in countries such as France, Belgium, and Italy.

Police clear encampments

Shortly before 6 a.m., police launched coordinated operations in both cities after warning protesters that the camps were illegal. In Porto, demonstrators dismantled their tents themselves, while in Lisbon, officers cleared Rossio Square in what Carla Valadao, a spokesperson for the camp, described as “very aggressive.” Public Security Police superintendent Sergio Soares, however, described the eviction as “calm, proportionate and appropriate, with no police charge.” The 55 detainees were released pending a court appearance in Lisbon on Wednesday.

Authorities seized 228 camping structures during the operation. In Lisbon, clashes broke out, according to footage from local television stations.

Worsening housing crisis

Portugal is grappling with one of Europe’s worst housing affordability crises. Property purchase prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents for new leases have nearly doubled. The squeeze is most acute in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, where residents have also protested against excessive tourism and an influx of so-called digital nomads.

Jorge Paixao, a 19-year-old history student, described the situation as “a societal crisis.” He said his generation needed “the ability to live with dignity, start families and rejuvenate Portugal.”

Protesters have vowed to continue their campaign despite the police crackdown, with demonstrators in Rossio Square voting to re-establish their tent camp on Wednesday.