Thousands march across Portugal to protest housing crisis and rising living costs

Tens of thousands of people marched in more than 30 cities across Portugal on November 15, 2026, to protest the housing crisis and rising living costs. The demonstrations, organized by the Casa para Viver platform, took place in 32 cities including Lisbon, Porto, Lamego, Braga, Coimbra, and Faro. Protesters marched under the slogan "We won't let them steal our right to housing" to demand rent increase limits, better legal protection against eviction, and more affordable housing.

Widespread demonstrations and civil unrest

The demonstrations were inspired by similar protests that began in Spain in October 2026. In Lisbon, the march included a procession toward Martim Moniz Square, while the Porto march included a procession from Marquês Square. Activists have established camps in main squares in Lisbon and Porto to maintain their presence.

During the gatherings, police used dogs to disperse some groups, which led to allegations of excessive force. The Casa para Viver platform stated that the housing crisis has caused one of the largest mobilizations in Portugal since the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974. Paulo Raimundo, the leader of the Portuguese Communist Party, called on the government to respond to the demands of citizens and warned that unrest would continue if these issues are ignored.

Economic drivers of the housing crisis

The housing crisis is linked to increased tourism and short-term rentals in city centers. Foreign buyers and investment funds have also contributed to rising property prices. Data shows that rental prices have increased by 68% since 2020. Additionally, there was a 20% increase in housing prices between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

The gap between property prices and income in Portugal reached 61% between 2015 and 2025. This economic pressure has driven significant social tension. José Luís Carneiro, the leader of the Socialist Party, highlighted the need to curb real estate market speculation to address these growing disparities.

Government response and housing targets

The Portuguese government has promised to build 145,000 new homes to address the shortage. To support these efforts, the government has reduced taxes for new building construction and restricted short-term rentals. These measures aim to stabilize the market and increase the availability of long-term housing for residents.

The protests reflect a broader wave of social unrest affecting Europe this autumn. While the role of the Portuguese President is primarily ceremonial, the president maintains political influence during such periods of national mobilization.

Glossary

• Casa para Viver platform — The Casa para Viver platform is an organization that organizes demonstrations. It has been involved in large mobilizations in Portugal regarding the housing crisis.
• Lisbon — Lisbon is a city where protests and marches have taken place. It is one of the locations where activists have established camps in main squares.
• Lamego — Lamego is an ancient city located in the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region of Northern Portugal. It dates back to Roman times and is the oldest city in the kingdom of Portugal.
• Coimbra — Coimbra is a location associated with the Coimbra bloc, a group of monarchists. This group shared similar economic, social, and ideological views and was opposed to Feijó.
• Faro — Faro is a city where demonstrations have occurred. It is listed as one of the locations for protests related to the housing crisis.