Protests in 32 cities demand reversal of new urban rental laws

Demonstrators across Portugal are holding protests in 32 cities on Saturday, November 14, 2026, to demand housing rights and the reversal of new urban rental laws. The national demonstrations are organized by the Casa Para Viver platform, a group consisting of approximately one hundred associations and collectives. Protesters are using the slogan "Não nos vão roubar o direito a morar" (They will not steal our right to live) to voice their opposition to recent legislative changes.

The protests are occurring in a wide range of locations, including Angra do Heroísmo, Aveiro, Beja, Braga, Bragança, Castelo Branco, Caldas da Rainha, Coimbra, Covilhã, Évora, Faro, Funchal, Grândola, Guarda, Guimarães, Horta, Leira, Lisboa, Marinha Grande, Nazaré, Ponta Delgada, Portalegre, Portimão, Porto, Samora Correia, Santarém, Setúbal, Sines, Torres Novas, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, and Viseu. In Funchal, the protest consists of a morning concentration and an afternoon demonstration, according to multiple outlets.

Legislative context and political reactions

The demonstrations follow the general approval of a government proposal to change the urban rental regime. The new law aims to allow for more flexible rental contracts and faster evictions. During the vote, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Liberal Initiative (IL), and CDS-People (CDS-PP) voted in favor of the changes, while the Chega party abstained.

The Casa Para Viver platform has been mobilizing people in the streets for approximately three years. The platform proposes increased regulation regarding rents, contracts, evictions, vacant homes, local accommodation, and real estate speculation. Rita Silva, a spokesperson for Casa Para Viver and a social economist, stated that "The housing crisis is a national issue, not limited to Lisbon and Porto." Rita Silva also noted that "Fair housing policy depends on people remaining in the streets."

Political meetings and upcoming developments

The movement has seen significant engagement with political figures and organizations. On Friday, November 13, 2026, President António José Seguro held a meeting with representatives from the Casa Para Viver platform and the Acampadas movements of Lisbon and Porto. The Acampadas movements began in Porto on October 10, 2026.

André Escoval, a spokesperson for Casa Para Viver, said that "The meeting with the President was significant for the political signal sent to the Assembly of the Republic." André Escoval also stated that "The Prime Minister should follow the President's example and stop avoiding the issue."

Political discussions have continued throughout the week. The political parties BE, Livre, and PCP held meetings with Casa Para Viver representatives during the week of November 10, 2026. Meetings between the Casa Para Viver platform and the parties PAN and PS are scheduled for the following week.

Glossary

• Chega — Chega is a national conservative and right-wing populist political party in Portugal. It was formed in 2019 by André Ventura.
• Assembly of the Republic — The Assembly of the Republic is the Portuguese parliament. The President of the Assembly is the second hierarchical figure in the Portuguese state and serves as a substitute for the President of the Republic if they are unable to perform their job.
• PCP — The PCP is a Portuguese political party. It was the first legally recognized party in Portugal following the revolution.
• Casa Para Viver — The Casa Para Viver platform is a group consisting of approximately one hundred associations and collectives. It has been mobilizing people in the streets for approximately three years.
• Liberal Initiative (IL) — The Liberal Initiative (IL) is a classical liberal and right-libertarian party. It advocates for capitalism and social liberalism.