Portuguese police clear Lisbon housing protest camp, arrest 25

What the report says

Portuguese police removed a housing protest encampment in central Lisbon overnight, arresting 25 people after clashes with demonstrators in Rossio Square, according to Al Jazeera’s report citing Reuters. Officers moved in shortly after 2am on Sunday with riot police and police dogs, after warning that tents would be taken down if protesters did not leave. The operation followed a large march the previous day and was aimed at dismantling a camp of more than 100 tents set up to draw attention to Portugal’s housing crisis.

The same report says a smaller camp in Porto was also cleared, with police making six arrests there. Authorities said the operation was proportionate, and that those arrested in Lisbon were later released and scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Police said seven minor injuries were recorded among officers and protesters in both operations, while activist group Casa para Viver said 60 people were hurt and called for another protest outside parliament on Tuesday.

The demonstrations are part of wider public anger over housing affordability in Portugal, where prices and rents have risen sharply in recent years. The article says protesters want the government to drop a bill that would make evictions easier and end rent caps on new leases. The issue has become politically sensitive as young people and lower-income households face increasing pressure from rising living costs.