Protests over the housing crisis are continuing in Lisbon and Porto. Early on Sunday 1 November, police cleared protest camps in both cities, and there were arrests and injuries. More protests are planned. Here is what happened, what it means if you live or work near these areas, and how to stay safe.
Update, 2 November 2026: On 1 November, the Lisbon Administrative Court (Tribunal Administrativo de Círculo de Lisboa) ruled on one case, brought by one protester who asked the court to protect her right to demonstrate. The court allowed her to stay at her protest with one tent until the final vote on the 2027 State Budget, planned for 24 November 2026. It refused to apply the rule that demonstrations must automatically end at 00:30, and ordered the PSP and Lisbon Municipal Police not to disperse or remove her protest as long as it follows the court’s conditions. These include no noise between 00:00 and 06:30, no fires, fireworks, gas or flammable materials, free passage for pedestrians and emergency services, and working around the Rossio Christmas market (a nearby spot can be offered if needed). Police can still act if there is objective danger or the conditions are broken. In a statement on 2 November, the MAI (Ministry of Internal Administration) said the ruling applies only to that case, does not create a general right to set up camps in public spaces and does not judge the legality of earlier police operations. Our safety advice above has not changed. Sources: court ruling of 1 November 2026, reported by DN; Ministry of Internal Administration; Lusa via CNN Portugal.
What happened
Housing protests have taken place across Portugal since 10 October, and some have included protest camps that police later removed, news agency Lusa reports (via Observador). At around 04:30 on Sunday 1 November, after three warnings, the PSP police moved in to clear camps at Praça do Rossio in Lisbon and Praça D. João I in Porto, according to Expresso (via SAPO).
The PSP said 13 protesters were detained (six in Lisbon, seven in Porto) and 13 police officers were injured, all in Porto, eight of whom needed hospital treatment. Police removed 69 tent structures in Lisbon and 30 in Porto, according to the PSP statement reported by Lusa (via CNN Portugal). Protesters were also injured. The PSP said it respects the right to demonstrate, but that protests must be peaceful. Later on Sunday, the PSP said it found home-made incendiary devices at Rossio (Lusa via Observador).
Protesters gathered again on Sunday evening in both cities. In Porto, about ten tents stayed in Praça D. João I overnight, and protesters took them down themselves after a police request after 04:30 on Monday, Observador reports.
According to Lusa, protesters want the new rental law reversed, an end to evictions and demolitions without alternative housing, limits on investment funds buying homes, more public housing, empty buildings brought back into use, and truly affordable rent caps. The rental law reform is still in parliament and has not had its final vote.
What the President and the Government are doing
President António José Seguro asked the Government and the Ombudsman (Provedora de Justiça) for detailed information about what happened and about the people detained and injured. The Council of State, his advisory body, meets today, Monday 2 November, at 15:00 at Belém Palace to discuss social cohesion, including housing (Lusa via RTP). The President has also said he is available to meet the Porto camp organisers (Lusa via ECO, 1 November).
What it means for you
Portugal’s Constitution protects the right to meet and demonstrate peacefully (article 45). Under article 15, foreign residents generally have the same rights as Portuguese citizens, with some exceptions. But being arrested or charged can lead to a criminal case, and residence permit renewals and nationality applications look at criminal records.
The US Embassy in Lisbon has issued a security alert telling its citizens to avoid Rossio in Lisbon and Praça D. João I in Porto. It also says to take care near large crowds and to follow local news, because protests can change route at the last minute (Lusa via SAPO).
What to do
- Plan your route. If you live, work or deliver near Rossio, Praça da Figueira, Martim Moniz, Praça D. João I or Avenida dos Aliados, leave extra time, especially in the evening and at night.
- Carry your ID. Keep your residence card or passport with you. Police can ask you to identify yourself.
- If police give an order to leave, leave calmly. Do not argue or run, and keep away from anyone throwing objects.
- If you are detained, you have the right to a lawyer and, if you do not understand Portuguese, to an interpreter. You can also contact your embassy or consulate.
- If you are hurt: call 112 in an emergency, or SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 for advice.
- Check before you share. Follow official sources and major news outlets, not rumours.
Key dates
- Monday 2 November, 15:00: Council of State meets on social cohesion.
- 14 November: national day of action on housing, with marches at 15:00 from Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques in Lisbon and Praça do Marquês in Porto (Lusa via SAPO).
- 20 November: public-sector strike.
Renting in Portugal? See our guides on renting a flat as an immigrant and the new accessible rent caps.
Sources: PSP statement reported by Lusa (CNN Portugal, 1 November 2026); Expresso via SAPO; Lusa via SAPO and Observador; Lusa via RTP and ECO; Observador (2 November 2026); Constitution of the Portuguese Republic.
Featured image: Branded graphic: Link in Portugal (original work; no third-party photos)
This article is general information, not legal advice. If you are detained or charged, speak to a lawyer. The situation is changing quickly; check local news before you travel. Link in Portugal is not affiliated with the Government, the police or any protest group. Last updated: 2 November 2026.
