Tents spring up in Lisbon as Portugal housing protests spread

Protesters pitched dozens of tents in Lisbon on Oct 17, demanding action to stem housing and living costs in Portugal, mirroring demonstrations that have gripped neighbouring Spain for weeks.



Hundreds of protesters rallied at night in Rossio Square following a march that had drawn thousands of people nationwide.



The mostly young attendees vowed to stay overnight, with hundreds singing songs as they sat around the statue of King Pedro IV that dominates the square, according to AFP journalists.



"The Portuguese social class that pays taxes, that which keeps this country going, is under attack and is losing its rights, notably its right to housing," said Elena Costa, a 46-year-old social assistant.



Portuguese housing prices rose by 124% between 2015 and 2024, roughly twice as fast as the European Union average, according to official data.