133 families in Lisbon are demanding answers after a housing lottery was abruptly canceled, leaving many in precarious living situations. The lottery, part of the PRA29 - Habitar Lisboa Program, was annulled by the city council due to regulatory formalities not being met, including the incorrect date and lack of public transmission.
The fallout has been devastating for families like Ana Gaspar's, who had already informed their landlords of their intention to move after being selected in the lottery. "I was overjoyed when I received the email on June 16, confirming my new home. I even visited the property and received the floor plan from the council," Gaspar shared. The next day, however, an email arrived announcing the lottery's cancellation, leaving her and others in shock.
The emotional toll is significant, with reports of severe psychological distress among the affected families. Some have experienced anxiety attacks, and one individual even abandoned a job opportunity in Porto due to the lottery's outcome. The lack of communication and apology from the council has only exacerbated the situation.
In response, the families have launched an online petition seeking resolution and clarity from the Lisbon City Council. Meanwhile, the council has announced a new lottery for June 27, involving the same pool of applicants, and has initiated an internal inquiry to address the mishap.
The council's handling of the situation has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability, with families calling for immediate action to rectify the chaos caused by the canceled lottery.
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