Portuguese Police Dismantle Protesting Housing Camps, Arrest Dozens in Lisbon and Porto Raids

Published on 20/10/2026 – 13:21 GMT+2•Updated 13:21

In coordinated early morning operations, Portuguese authorities cleared tent encampments set up by housing rights activists in central Lisbon and Porto, arresting dozens of demonstrators and sparking renewed tensions over the ongoing affordability crisis.

At approximately 06:00 local time (07:00 CEST) on Tuesday, police vans deployed to Rossio Square in Lisbon and Praça D. João I in Porto, instructing protesters to vacate the premises within five to ten minutes. Officials cited the gatherings as unlawful. In Lisbon, resistance emerged as demonstrators formed human chains, and some threw objects at Public Security Police (PSP) officers, prompting the use of batons during the dispersal.

The PSP Special Unit conducted a forceful removal from Rossio Square, resulting in 55 arrests and the confiscation of 228 camping structures. Activists reported around 30 injuries among their ranks, though official confirmation details were not immediately disclosed.

Following the clearance, many protesters relocated to nearby Praça da Figueira, where they voiced opposition to the police raids, demanded the return of personal items, and called for the release of detainees.

Over a hundred demonstrators gathered at Praça da Figueira, singing “Grândola, Vila Morena,” the anthem associated with the 1974 coup that ended authoritarian rule in Portugal. Some threatened symbolic occupation of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s residence if demands went unmet.

In Porto, the eviction proceeded peacefully, with no major confrontations reported. Campers gradually departed after police issued directives, though initial hesitation marked the beginning of the sweep.

To prevent reoccupation, authorities in Porto began erecting metal barriers around Praça D. João I. Cleanup efforts commenced in both cities following the disbanding of the camps.

Legal Response

The attorney representing the protesters indicated that legal challenges might persist beyond Tuesday’s events. Speaking to *Observador*, the lawyer affirmed that activists planned to remain active at current demonstration sites until further notice, emphasizing uncertainty surrounding the detained individuals’ conditions and procedures for retrieving seized belongings.

A Popular Assembly vote saw unanimous agreement among participants to maintain presence in Praça da Figueira until information regarding those arrested was obtained.

Police confirmed detainees were processed at local stations and would appear before judicial authorities swiftly, per standard protocol.

Plans for Continued Mobilization

Despite Tuesday’s crackdown, organizers announced another rally slated for Rossio Square in Lisbon at 19:00 local time. The coordinator of the Popular Assembly urged increased turnout not only for this event but also for upcoming demonstrations scheduled throughout the week.

The activist stressed that momentum behind the housing rights campaign would not wane despite law enforcement intervention, asserting that the movement intends to press forward until adequate housing access is secured for all participants.

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