Following violent clashes between police and housing protesters in Lisbon and Porto, the President of the Republic has spoken with the Prime Minister and requested clarifications regarding the police conduct. Demonstrators have scheduled a new protest at Rossio in Lisbon for this afternoon, Sunday, 1 November.
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Six protesters detained during the police operation to clear the 'Acampada de Lisboa' early on Sunday, 1 November, have been released under identity and residence measures and are scheduled to appear before a criminal investigation judge at 14:00 on Monday, 2 November, at the Campus de Justiça in Lisbon. Their lawyer intends to file a criminal complaint against the Minister of Internal Administration and the national director of the PSP, alleging abuse of power.
A protest for the right to housing in Lisbon, which lasted until 04:30 on 1 November, remained peaceful throughout the night according to a photojournalist on the ground. Tensions rose after midnight, leading to police intervention, clashes, and arrests between 04:30 and the early morning hours, following failed negotiations between the police and protesters over the legal time limit for occupying the square.
PS leader José Luís Carneiro expressed doubts that a government reshuffle can solve the current administration's lack of coordination or address critical national issues. He criticized the government's handling of recent housing protests and its housing policies, which he claims have contributed to a 41% increase in housing costs, while distancing the PS from a potential 'central bloc' with the PSD.