On 14 November, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in more than 30 cities across Portugal. They were protesting against the rapid rise in housing costs, which has made buying or renting a home unaffordable for many residents.
This was reported by the Associated Press.
The housing crisis has triggered a wave of protests that has been going on for several weeks. Some activists have set up tent camps in the central squares of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal’s two largest cities.
The demonstrations were held under the slogan “We will not let them take away our right to housing.” In Lisbon, protesters marched to music and drumbeats, chanted slogans, and carried large placards and flags.
At the same time, law enforcement officers with dogs broke up some of the gatherings. This prompted accusations that the police used excessive force, the outlet notes.
Activists are calling for limits on rent increases, stronger legal protections for tenants against eviction, and an expansion of the supply of affordable housing.
According to Eurostat, between 2015 and 2025 the ratio of house prices to incomes in Portugal rose by 61%. This is the highest figure among EU countries. By comparison, in the Netherlands it increased by 34%.
There are currently no signs of a slowdown in price growth. According to Portugal’s National Statistics Institute, over the year from the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026, housing prices rose by almost 20%. Meanwhile, rents, according to the government, have increased by 68% compared with 2020.
In response to the housing crisis, the government has cut taxes on new construction, restricted short-term rentals, and promised to build 145,000 new homes. At the same time, the authorities acknowledge that the results of these measures will not be felt immediately, AP adds.
- On Saturday, 14 November, a large-scale protest took place in France, bringing together students, trade unions and civic organisations. There were 219 arrests. Organisers called for the protests to continue on 17 November.