This is no longer just a housing crisis - it is a democratic crisis.
The right to protest is enshrined in the Portuguese constitution and has been repeatedly violated - based on a pre-constitution law that legal experts contest. Police violence has been completely out of proportion. 4/7
Last night, riot cops cleared the camp in ten minutes. Protesters peacefully resisted holding only pieces of cardboard to protect themselves.
The police then chased them through the streets of Lisbon for hours with dogs and rubber bullets. 5/7
In the meantime, the right wing government is working on a law that makes evictions easier, removes limits on rent increases, and allows landlords to demand an unlimited deposit at the start of a contract.
The Prime Minister, who owns 55 properties, called protesters "selfish". 6/7
The protesters are returning to the squares, with assemblies every day at 7pm. The movement is spreading to other cities.
Portugal is very sensitive to international coverage. Please spread the word and talk about what's happening.
And, if you’re visiting Portugal or live here, join the protest! 7/7
Lisbon's Rossio Sq., tonight once again packed for the People's Assembly. These people are stubborn. 😉✊
This thread is still moving, so a brief update: protests are taking place every day, the encampment continues in Porto, and tonight in #Lisbon they're calling for a vigil outside Parliament, where the 2027 budget will be debated (it doesn't include any significant increase in housing policies). Another People's Assembly will decide there whether to set up an encampment.
@teclista thanks for spreading the word in such relevant and hot times.
@Andres4NY Thank you! I've added your alt text.