Around 50 protest in Funchal for affordable housing

Approximately 50 people gathered in Funchal today to protest for the right to housing. The event was organized by the Madeira regional branch of the Porta a Porta movement and forms part of a national protest occurring in 32 cities. Many of the demonstrators were affiliated with trade unions from various sectors, the PCP, and the BE.

Tânia Sousa, the spokesperson for the movement, explained, 'We are here for the right to housing, better housing, affordable rents,' emphasizing that rents are out of control in the autonomous region. She observed that it is impossible to rent or buy a house because a T0 apartment in Funchal costs between 200,000 and 250,000 euros, which is not compatible with the salaries people receive.

The protesters concentrated on Rua Fernão de Ornelas, one of the busiest streets in the Madeiran capital. They held placards with slogans such as 'Homes to live in, not to speculate,' 'Rent costs are rising, the people cannot bear it,' and 'More neighbors – tourism.' They also set up a tent on the street and placed a plastic skeleton sitting on a chair with a sign that read: 'What to do? Pay the rent or eat?' Sousa stated that this was a manifestation of discontent, also in solidarity with the protests on the mainland.

Sousa said she had expected more people at the gathering but considered that people in Madeira 'are a bit ashamed to go out into the street and show their faces.' She noted that there is only one government in Madeira, the PSD, which has governed the region since 1976, and that everyone is afraid because many people work in the government or municipal councils. She reinforced that one of the problems in Madeira is the fear of retaliation. The Porta a Porta movement advocates for specific legislation for the autonomous region to facilitate access to housing, warning about rising rents, real estate speculation, and the 'growing difficulties' faced by families, young people, and workers due to the rising cost of living.