Protesters gathered again in Lisbon's Rossio Square on Wednesday as housing demonstrations resumed in the Portuguese capital. The action follows multiple rounds of encampments and police clearances in recent weeks.

The ongoing protests target a bill backed by the centre-right government that seeks to speed up evictions and remove rent caps on new leases. The measure passed its first parliamentary reading earlier this year. Organisers, including the Casa para Viver group and the CGTP union, demand the bill's withdrawal along with expanded public housing and limits on property purchases by investment funds.

Portugal faces one of Europe's sharpest housing affordability challenges. Purchase prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents on new leases have nearly doubled. The Bank of Portugal estimates a national shortfall of around 300,000 homes. Young people and lower-income households have been hit hardest as wages have not kept pace.

Police have cleared tent camps in Rossio Square and Porto's Dom João I Square on several occasions, including operations on October 20 and October 25. Authorities reported the actions as proportionate and noted minor injuries among officers and protesters. Activists claimed higher numbers of injuries and accused police of excessive force.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has defended the police response as necessary to maintain public order. The government maintains that market-oriented reforms will ultimately increase housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers that discourage investment and new construction.

Similar demonstrations have occurred in other European cities amid comparable pressures from tourism, speculation, and limited building. In Lisbon, protesters have vowed to continue assemblies and occupations until their demands are met. Lawmakers are set to debate the 2027 budget in the coming weeks.