Housing protesters in Lisbon spent the night in Rossio Square: Tent action moved to the capital

Protests demanding affordable housing in Portugal moved to the center of Lisbon. Demonstrators set up dozens of tents in Rossio Square and continued their actions throughout the night between 17 October and 18 October.

Protest throughout the night in Rossio

Following the CGTP demonstration on October 17, a group of housing activists gathered in Rossio Square, also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV.

Tents began to be set up in the evening. The demonstrators continued their demands regarding the housing crisis by deciding to spend the night in the square.

While police presence continued throughout the night, protesters stated that they wanted their protests to continue peacefully.

Why did the duration of the protest create controversy?

With the end of the permitted duration of the demonstration, the legal status of the overnight demonstration in the square also came to the fore.

The demonstrators chose not to leave the square in order to draw attention to the right to housing.

This has sparked a new debate about the right to protest and how to enforce rules on the use of public space.

The outlook of the housing crisis in the capital

Rental prices and house purchasing costs in Lisbon are among the main factors that make it difficult for low- and middle-income workers to live in the city center.

The action in Rossio brought this issue to one of the capital's most visible public spaces.

Although a similar method was used with the tent protest in Porto, the one in Lisbon Developments should be evaluated within their own local conditions.

Daily transportation impact

Rossio and its surroundings are a region with intense metro, bus and pedestrian connections.

The ongoing demonstrations in the square may affect the mobility in the surrounding area. However, it is not right to consider an unofficially announced subway closure or public transportation cancellation as final.

Passengers going to the region are recommended to check the current announcements of Carris, Metro de Lisboa and the competent authorities.