Protesters in Portugal are camping in city squares to demand more public housing and oppose eviction reforms, with calls for an Iberian general strike.
Protesters occupy central squares in Lisbon and Porto
Bruno, a 30-year-old protester, said, "We are here to stay," while camping on Rossio square in Lisbon's center. He and others have been protesting for several nights to highlight the housing crisis in Portugal.Protest encampments continue in Porto
On Monday, October 19, 50 tents still housed 80 people on D. João I square in Porto. The protesters have organized themselves into popular assemblies to manage daily tasks, according to a report.Movement expands to other cities
The protest movement is spreading to other cities like Faro and Funchal. Protesters are demanding more public housing and the reversal of a reform that makes evictions easier.Police warn but protesters remain
Despite police warnings that gatherings are illegal after midnight, the encampments remain. In Porto, a police charge during the night of Wednesday to Thursday caused 39 injuries, but tents were set up again afterward.Call for Iberian general strike
Some protesters are already calling for an "Iberian general strike" on November 11, hoping to join demonstrations in Spain, where housing protests have led to early legislative elections on November 29.
