A Pitagórica poll for TVI and CNN Portugal reveals that 69% of respondents agree with the core demands of recent housing protests regarding affordable rents and home prices. While support for the cause is high, 60% of respondents oppose camping in public squares, 74% reject blocking streets, and 70% oppose staying after a police order to disperse.
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The protest movement for housing rights plans to return to Rossio square on Saturday 24 October at 19:00, following an assembly held in Marvila on Friday 23 October. A march against housing speculation is also scheduled to depart from Marquês de Pombal at 15:00 on Saturday 24 October, heading to Rossio. The protesters are demanding changes to rental laws, a halt to evictions without alternative housing, and measures to curb real estate fund purchases and implement rent caps.
The president of the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU), Benjamim Pereira, apologized for recent comments suggesting today's youth should make more sacrifices to afford housing, similar to previous generations. While the leader of the Socialist Party (PS) criticized the remarks as unfortunate, he deferred any decision on a potential resignation to the Prime Minister, even as other opposition parties call for hearings or the official's dismissal.
The ongoing housing crisis in Portugal has caused rental prices to surge, leaving many families, particularly single-parent households, unable to afford market-rate rents.