Tens of thousands protest against surging Portuguese housing costs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 19:01 · Archive

Tens of thousands have marched across more than 30 Portuguese cities in the largest protest yet against soaring housing costs.

Tens of thousands of people marched through more than 30 Portuguese cities and towns on Saturday in the largest protest yet against soaring housing costs that many say have put buying or renting a home beyond their reach. The housing crisis has fuelled weeks of demonstrations, with some activists camping in central squares in Lisbon and Porto, the country's two largest cities. Riot police with dogs have dispersed some protests, drawing accusations of heavy-handed tactics.

Marchers ranged from teenagers to retirees and carried large banners and flags under the slogan 'We won't let them steal our right to housing'. Susana Pacheco, a 35-year-old data analyst, said she worried about whether her younger sister could afford to move out of their parents' home. Ana Encarnação, 42, said 'things have become intolerable', citing rising living costs and the widening gap between rich and poor.

The demonstrations took inspiration from protests that began in neighbouring Spain last month over similar housing concerns. House prices in Portugal have risen much faster than incomes, statistics show. Activists are demanding ceilings placed on rent increases, greater legal protection for tenants against eviction, and more affordable housing.

How it is being reported

• Tens of thousands march in Portuguese cities against surging home pricesTens of thousands of people have marched in Portugal in the biggest protest yet against surging housing prices.Clickorlando · 14 Nov, 16:53
• Tens of thousands march in Portuguese cities against surging home pricesTens of thousands of people have marched in Portugal in the biggest protest yet against surging housing prices.News4Jax · 14 Nov, 16:53

In this story: Portugal · Lisbon · Porto · Susana Pacheco · Ana Encarnação · Luis Montenegro · Spain

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