Hundreds Retake Rossio Square Encampment in Portugal Housing Struggle
Featured image: Protest encampment in Rossio Square, Lisbon. Source: EuropeanPulse
Hundreds of housing activists have once again put up tents in Lisbon’s Rossio Square after a court hearing set a legal precedent finding the participation in the encampment legal. This comes after weeks of sustained attacks by the police, and several clashes by resisting activists.
Nova Aurora has reported that police are still harassing the encampment, issuing 60 EUR fines to cars honking in solidarity with the encampment.
The housing struggle takes place as the prices for rent are increasing steadily, with the median rent for new contracts rising by about 10% every year, with the median rent rising from 8.22 EUR per square meter in Q1 of 2025 to 10.17 EUR in Q2, 2026. The median asking price for homes has also risen by 7.5%, compared to October last year, with prices reaching 3,249 EUR per square meter.
Additionally, several mobilizations are planned for November, such as a national day of struggle for housing on November 14, organized by the Casa para Viver and Porta a Porta movements. There will be mobilizations across Portugal, with the demonstrations in Lisbon starting at Alamada Dom Afonso Henriques, and in Porto at Praça do Marquês, both at 3 p.m.
