Lisbon Rally Demands Housing Rights: 'Homes for Living, Not for Speculation'

Hundreds gathered in Lisbon this Saturday to demand the right to housing, in a protest organized by the platform Casa para Viver. The demonstration, which also took place in 13 other cities across the country, called for government action to address the housing crisis.

André Escoval, a spokesperson for the organization, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are facing an extremely serious situation in our country." The protestors demanded the government implement an emergency housing plan, including rent control and limits on local accommodation to make housing more accessible.

The march, which started at Largo de Camões and proceeded to Arco da Rua Augusta, was marked by chants such as 'Abril exige casa para viver' (April demands a house to live in) and 'baixem as rendas, subam os salários' (lower rents, raise wages). The protest highlighted the growing frustration among citizens forced to choose between paying rent or buying food.

Political representation from PCP, BE, and Livre was noted at the event, alongside former deputy Helena Roseta, who advocated for the enforcement of the constitutional right to housing. Over the weekend, similar protests are scheduled in cities including Aveiro, Braga, and Porto, aiming to present a unified demand for housing reform.