Thousands Rally Across Portugal to Protest Soaring Housing Costs and Inflation
Massive demonstrations erupt in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra as citizens demand affordable housing and higher wages amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis.
POLICY WIRE — Lisbon, Portugal — Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of major Portuguese cities on Saturday, October 17, to voice their frustration over the escalating cost of living and a severe housing shortage.
The nationwide protests, which saw significant turnouts in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, were driven by widespread concerns regarding stagnant wages, insufficient pensions, and the inability of many citizens to afford basic necessities.
Organized by the platform known as ‘Não dá mais para viver assim’—which translates to ‘We cannot live like this anymore’—the movement drew participants of all ages to central gathering points, including the Largo do Intendente in Lisbon.
The General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) also played a key role in coordinating the demonstrations, which extended to other urban centers such as Aveiro, Braga, and Funchal.
These protests reflect a broader European trend where rising fuel prices, inflation, and a lack of affordable housing have placed significant pressure on the center-right government to implement urgent economic reforms.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
