Protesters occupying Rossio square for housing rights began leaving late Wednesday night, though a smaller group remained into Thursday, 29 October. Protesters plan to return to Rossio later on Thursday, 29 October, and have scheduled a new march from Marquês de Pombal to Rossio for Saturday, 31 October, which may involve setting up tents again.
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Read today’s briefingFollowing police intervention during recent housing rights demonstrations, protesters in Porto have received authorization to stay overnight in Praça D. João I, provided they remove their tents and maintain noise levels. This follows violent confrontations between police and demonstrators in Lisbon and Porto on the early morning of Sunday, 25 October, which resulted in 33 injuries and 33 arrests. The Inspectorate-General of Internal Administration and the Ombudsman have both requested urgent explanations regarding the police actions.
The Baixa Pombalina revitalization association (ADBP) is calling for measures to protect property and business operations in the Rossio area, citing a significant drop in customers, increased security costs for merchants, and concerns over vandalism related to the ongoing housing protest camp that began on 17 October. While acknowledging the protesters' right to demonstrate, the association is asking authorities to balance this with the rights of local business owners.
The 'Casa para Viver' civic movement has confirmed it will hold a demonstration in Ponta Delgada on 14 November at 10:00, joining the national day of action for housing rights. Participants voted to exclude the possibility of setting up a protest camp, stating that other issues related to housing and cost of living are more urgent.